Bernard M. Stevens Jr./FacebookOh don’t they start them young over there.
Normally this is a phrase best used to describe a child being able to do things well beyond their expected levels of capability, like reading a book designed for older kids or getting them to go to the shops to get a few bits.
Unfortunately in the States, this means children know how to put their hands up when police are pointing guns at their parents.
Tallahassee police were arresting a couple suspected of shoplifting when the disturbing footage was captured and posted to Facebook by a concerned bystander.
Because the suspects were reported armed, the police were armed with pistols and rifles.
The video shows cops surrounding the vehicle outside a department store in Florida, MailOnline reports.
After the child’s father was detained by police, the video shows the tense moment the little one clambers from her seat and out of the vehicle while cops keep their weapons trained on the truck.
In the video a voice says:
She’s trying to get out but she can’t because she’s little. She is out. Oh, she’s holding her hands up. Oh my God, look at that. Oh my God.
Look at the baby 😢😢
Posted by Bernard M. Stevens Jr. on Thursday, 17 January 2019
‘They’re still holding the gun at the baby,’ says one person watching it all unfold. The other says ‘No, they’re holding the gun at the car.’
Police allowed a woman, reportedly the mother, to hold her and another child as they dealt with the situation.
TPD Chief Michael DeLeo said footage from 10 body cameras was reviewed, according to the Tallahassee Democrat.
Police have released bodycam footage on the City of Tallahassee Police Department Facebook page showing the efforts made by officers to be compassionate towards the children in the tense situation.
Update on traffic stop video with small child in car
#UPDATE TPD is providing an update to the press release regarding a small child being involved in a traffic stop. Body camera footage and a statement from Chief Michael DeLeo can be viewed. The original video by the citizen is first, then the video shows Chief DeLeo speaking about the incident. The body worn camera footage shows the officers' actions in the incident. The gun located in the vehicle was actually a pellet gun. “This video footage captures the compassion demonstrated by our TPD officers during an intense situation. I’m very proud of their actions and appreciative of the work these men and women do each day to keep our community safe,” Mayor John Dailey said. Original Press Release January 17,2019:On Thursday afternoon, January 17, 2019 around 4:30 p.m., Tallahassee Police officers were called to Bealls Outlet located 3240 Capital Circle Northeast in reference to a shoplifting. Information was received from the store regarding one of the suspects having what appeared to be a gun in their waistband. Based on this information, the Loss Prevention officers did not stop the suspects, but provided TPD officers with a description of the suspects and their vehicle. Officers arriving on scene were able to stop the suspects in the parking lot and detain the individuals inside the vehicle which was a blue pickup truck. Chad M. Bom and James W. McMullen were charged with the theft from Bealls Outlet.The Tallahassee Police Department was made aware of a video of the incident circulating on social media. TPD is currently reviewing the incident and the body worn camera video from the incident. Arrested:Chad M. Bom Age 34Charge:Petit Theft 2nd Degree pursuant to Florida Statute 812.014(3)(a).Arrested:James W. McMullen Age 38Charge:Petit Theft 2nd Degree pursuant to Florida Statute 812.014(3)(a).
Posted by City of Tallahassee Police Department on Friday, 18 January 2019
TPD Chief DeLeo said:
The body camera footage shows the officers’ concern for the children and their compassion as they permitted the mother to care for the children.
The mom, who is a suspect, asks an officer to hold her 2-year-old as she retrieves the infant from a car seat.
I am proud of how officers handled the situation, how they adapted when they became aware of the children, the level of concern and compassion they showed to the family.
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Tim Horner is a sub-editor at UNILAD. He graduated with a BA Journalism from University College Falmouth before most his colleagues were born. A previous editor of adult mags, he now enjoys bringing the tone down in the viral news sector.