Post by WaTcHeR on Aug 30, 2006 11:47:14 GMT -5
08.30.2006 - Cincinnati Police lieutenant is on the other side of the law.
Lieutenant Michael Fern is charged with domestic violence.
He is talking only with Local 12 about the incident at a Kroger store on Glenway Avenue. He's accused of attacking his 15-year-old son, and it was all caught on tape.
Local 12 Reporter Joelle Girone explains why perception may be everything in this case.
We're talking about seven seconds changing everything. That's exactly what this officer says happened to him as he tried to be a responsible parent.
"It's just devastating," said Michael Fern.
This is a snapshot of how life can change in just a matter of seconds. Cincinnati Police Lieutenant Michael Fern says a recent argument with his son, a parental decision to discipline the 15-year-old seen here pushing him, turned into a quagmire.
"It's just devastating to think of the possible outcomes here," said Fern. "Career gone, kids gone, no house, no home. What do I do now?"
"It seems that parents aren't allowed to be parents, without having to worry about being arrested for disciplining their children," said Jay Clark, attorney.
Attorney Jay Clark is representing Fern in a case Clark says effects every parent. Clark showed Local 12 the surveillance video captured inside the entryway of the Kroger store on Glenway Avenue, the day Michael Fern is accused of assaulting his son. In seven seconds, the snapshot video reveals a teenager pushing his unsuspecting father, a father reacting.
"In an effort to restrain his son, he grabs him by the shirt and tells him enough, you're not doing this," said Clark.
Then a Hamilton County deputy sheriff walks in view, arresting Fern immediately for what Fern thought was disorderly conduct.
Joelle Girone: "The question becomes what is a proper response to a teenager who physically lashes out, and is restraining a child domestic violence?"
Clark says Ohio law gives parents the right to administer proper discipline. Fern was charged with domestic violence. If convicted, state law makes him ineligible to carry a gun, so he will lose his job.
Is it discipline or a crime?
"I don't see how it can be a crime," said Clark. "Or no one will be allowed to be a proper parent."
Like anyone charged with domestic violence, Lt. Fern had to go to jail. Yet, he says his concern is his son, who must now stay with a relative until the case is decided.
According to the arrest report, the deputy says he saw Fern grab his son by the neck with both hands and drag him several feet after he was pushed.
Right now, Lieutenant Michael Fern is suspended with pay. His next court appearance is a pre-trial, which is scheduled for September 11th.
www.wkrc.com/News/Local/story.aspx?content_id=E5EC18CC-EC37-4A79-8756-77E335469363
Lieutenant Michael Fern is charged with domestic violence.
He is talking only with Local 12 about the incident at a Kroger store on Glenway Avenue. He's accused of attacking his 15-year-old son, and it was all caught on tape.
Local 12 Reporter Joelle Girone explains why perception may be everything in this case.
We're talking about seven seconds changing everything. That's exactly what this officer says happened to him as he tried to be a responsible parent.
"It's just devastating," said Michael Fern.
This is a snapshot of how life can change in just a matter of seconds. Cincinnati Police Lieutenant Michael Fern says a recent argument with his son, a parental decision to discipline the 15-year-old seen here pushing him, turned into a quagmire.
"It's just devastating to think of the possible outcomes here," said Fern. "Career gone, kids gone, no house, no home. What do I do now?"
"It seems that parents aren't allowed to be parents, without having to worry about being arrested for disciplining their children," said Jay Clark, attorney.
Attorney Jay Clark is representing Fern in a case Clark says effects every parent. Clark showed Local 12 the surveillance video captured inside the entryway of the Kroger store on Glenway Avenue, the day Michael Fern is accused of assaulting his son. In seven seconds, the snapshot video reveals a teenager pushing his unsuspecting father, a father reacting.
"In an effort to restrain his son, he grabs him by the shirt and tells him enough, you're not doing this," said Clark.
Then a Hamilton County deputy sheriff walks in view, arresting Fern immediately for what Fern thought was disorderly conduct.
Joelle Girone: "The question becomes what is a proper response to a teenager who physically lashes out, and is restraining a child domestic violence?"
Clark says Ohio law gives parents the right to administer proper discipline. Fern was charged with domestic violence. If convicted, state law makes him ineligible to carry a gun, so he will lose his job.
Is it discipline or a crime?
"I don't see how it can be a crime," said Clark. "Or no one will be allowed to be a proper parent."
Like anyone charged with domestic violence, Lt. Fern had to go to jail. Yet, he says his concern is his son, who must now stay with a relative until the case is decided.
According to the arrest report, the deputy says he saw Fern grab his son by the neck with both hands and drag him several feet after he was pushed.
Right now, Lieutenant Michael Fern is suspended with pay. His next court appearance is a pre-trial, which is scheduled for September 11th.
www.wkrc.com/News/Local/story.aspx?content_id=E5EC18CC-EC37-4A79-8756-77E335469363