Baby Hospitalized After Mistaken Raid: Mother Attributes Incident to Police Flash-Bang Blasts

Following a woman’s claim that law enforcement officers mistakenly raided her residence in Elyria, Ohio, causing her 1-year-old to sustain burns from flash-bang devices, the mayor has initiated an investigation. 

Discrepancies in accounts have arisen, with police asserting that they executed a search warrant at the accurate location on January 10 and refuting any apparent, visible injuries to the child.

Courtney Price, a lone mother, who had relocated from Kentucky to Elyria only a week prior to the raid, was present at home with her infant, Waylon.

She contends that audio captured by her Ring camera contradicts the police statement. A voice on the recording is heard saying, “It’s the wrong house.” 

However, the source of this remark is unclear, as the camera fell to the ground and ceased functioning after the deployment of flash-bang devices by the police. 

Elyria Mayor Kevin A. Brubaker has characterized the incident as “serious and disturbing” and announced a comprehensive review. 

Raid in Wrong Address

The search warrant pertained to the Parmely Avenue residence, although it was issued for an individual who had not resided there for over a year, as indicated by Price who shared the warrant left by the police at the residence. 

The execution of the warrant took place at 2:12 p.m. on that day.

The Elyria Police special response team utilized two diversionary devices, commonly known as “flash-bangs,” outside the residence. 

They made repeated announcements, entered the home, and discovered a woman and her 17-month-old child inside.

Price reported hearing an exceptionally loud knock at 2:12 p.m. and began moving toward the door.

 In less than 15 seconds, as she descended the stairs, law enforcement officers forcibly broke down the door, activated flash-bangs, and entered the residence with their firearms directed at her.

Expressing her distress, she stated, “I froze at the top of the steps. I kept saying, ‘I’m scared. My baby’s in here, he’s on a ventilator.’ Then I came down the steps and they put me in handcuffs,” recounting the events on Tuesday.

While standing on the steps, she observed a flash at the window and witnessed smoke emanating. 

Waylon, who was born prematurely and suffers from pulmonary hypertension, a severe lung disease, and an atrial septal defect—a hole in the heart—was positioned in his swing on the floor near the window. 

Glass particles fell on him when the windows shattered, as per Price’s account. 

Following an assessment by the hospital, both Price and Waylon were discharged once it was determined that the baby’s condition was unrelated to the raid.