CNS News–In a deeply unsettling incident that has gripped the city of Elyria, Ohio, a SWAT team’s mistaken raid on the wrong house has led to the severe injury of a one-year-old child, sparking a significant outcry from the community and raising serious questions about law enforcement protocols.
Courtney Price, the mother of the injured infant named Waylon, recounts the traumatic experience that unfolded on January 10, 2024. The SWAT team, armed and seeking a 14-year-old suspect, erroneously targeted Price’s residence. In the chaotic moments that followed, a flashbang grenade was deployed, shattering windows and engulfing the room where Waylon was present in smoke and debris.
The aftermath of the raid was devastating. Waylon, who already had a delicate health condition requiring a G-tube for feeding, was found covered in glass and struggling to breathe amidst the smoke. The situation was further aggravated by his existing medical issues, including prematurity and pulmonary complications.
Price, who was at home taking care of Waylon, described her horror as the events unfolded. She recalled hearing loud noises at the door and, upon approaching, was met with the sight of police officers breaking in. Frozen in fear and confusion, she witnessed the damaging effects of the flashbang grenade on her son and their home.
Ohio SWAT Team Raids Wrong House, Seriously Injures Baby With Flashbang Grenade, Denies Responsibility https://t.co/9xlJW1L5RU
— Debby Witt (@debbywitt) January 14, 2024
Despite her attempts to explain the situation and Waylon’s fragile health, the response from law enforcement was to handcuff her and leave her outside for an extended period, exacerbating the distressing situation. The initial assessment by medics at the scene seemed to underplay the severity of Waylon’s condition.
However, the reality of his injuries became apparent later. Hospitalized with chemical pneumonitis and inflammation in his lungs, heart, and soft tissue, Waylon’s condition was critical. He suffered chemical burns around his eyes and on his body, adding to the pre-existing eye issues due to his premature birth.
His transfer to Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital highlighted the severity of his injuries and the long road to recovery ahead. Elyria Police Chief Bill Pelko defended the actions of the officers, asserting that the raid targeted the correct address. However, this claim starkly contrasts with the family’s account and the evidence, including audio from a Ring camera indicating a recognition of the mistake.
This discrepancy has fueled the controversy, casting doubt on the accuracy of the police’s intelligence and their adherence to proper procedures. The incident report and bodycam footage released by the police department have not quelled the public’s concerns.
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The footage showed a brief interval between the officers’ announcement and their forceful entry into the residence, calling into question the adequacy of time given for the occupants to respond. This, coupled with the subsequent treatment of Price and her son, has led to accusations of negligence and poor detective work on the part of the Elyria Police Department.
Price, in her quest for justice and accountability, has highlighted the disruption to her family’s life and the irreparable harm caused to her son. The community’s response, including the establishment of a GoFundMe campaign to assist with Waylon’s medical expenses, reflects the broader impact of the incident.
The family, left traumatized by the event, is now seeking justice and accountability for the injuries sustained by Waylon. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of misdirected law enforcement actions and the need for rigorous checks and balances in high-risk operations.
