Father Uses 1-Year-Old Son as 'Human Shield' When Police Draw Taser Gun

Sheriff Hits Baby with Taser
Baby Safe... Man Transferred to Inmate Facility

A man in his 20s in the United States sparked controversy after using his 1-year-old son as a human shield when surrounded by police. The photo is not related to the specific content of the article. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Bora Lee] In the United States, a man in his 20s shocked authorities by using the baby he was holding as a human shield when surrounded by police.

According to U.S. media on the 3rd (local time), police released footage of the arrest of Brandon Roner (27), who lives in Flagler, Florida, on the 27th of last month. Police responded after receiving a report from Roner's girlfriend that he had left the house with his son while carrying a firearm.

The woman said Roner fled using a vehicle with the baby sitting on his lap. Roner's car sped recklessly, ignoring lanes and even hitting a median barrier during the chase. Although police ordered Roner to stop the car, he did not comply. Eventually, police surrounded Roner's vehicle, and Roner stopped near a fast-food restaurant, getting out while holding his son.

Bodycam footage from the sheriff's office capturing the incident shows Roner confronting more than three sheriffs and attempting to flee in various directions. When the sheriffs aimed a Taser at him, he did not protect the child but instead pressed the baby close to his chest.

As police approached, they told him to put the baby down, and the baby was crying. Nevertheless, Roner looked around for an escape route and used the baby as a human shield.

At this moment, one sheriff fired the Taser, avoiding the baby, and Roner eventually collapsed. Fortunately, the baby was unharmed, and the sheriffs immediately rushed to rescue the child. Roner was promptly transported to a hospital and later transferred to a detention facility. The baby is reported to be currently safe.

Rick Stally, Flagler County Sheriff, stated, "A family situation turned violent, putting a one-year-old baby and innocent drivers in danger," adding, "We quickly rescued the baby from the suspect who used the child as a shield and arrested the suspect."