Watch CBS News

Father Cleared In Video Over Possible Child Abuse; Woman Commended For Posting

HEMET (CBSLA.com) — A video posted on Facebook that led to a man's arrested on suspicion of child abuse wasn't telling the whole story but the woman who posted it has no regrets.

Hemet police took the man into custody earlier Friday but he has since been cleared of any wrongdoing, authorities said.

The 13-year-old boy heard screaming in a post is said to have a mental illness and post-traumatic stress disorder, according to his father. In a cellphone video taken by a neighbor, you can hear the chilling sounds of what seems like a boy being beaten. The father said the boy was actually striking him.

Police say it was a misunderstanding but don't want the public to shy away from reporting what could be a crime.

Neighbor Margaret Sanchez said she when she heard "help me, help me" she said she had to report it. Her neighbors commended her and police said she did the right thing.

"He has complex PTSD," the father said. "I was simply restraining him so he can get the help he needs."

Police questioned the man at length with doctors and therapists and also looked at other video of the boy.

There also happened to be surveillance video on the property and police have determined the father was indeed restraining the boy who was acting out. It was not reported what kind of disorder the child has.

CBSLA's Randy Paige reported that police, therapists and child protective services all concluded no crime was committed.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.