An Ohio dad allegedly went to Anderson High School to pick up his son at the homecoming dance and ended up behind bars. Steven Stephens, 43, went to the high school after his 18-year-old son allegedly got into a fight with other students. When he arrived, Stephens got into an altercation with a school resource officer that ended in his arrest.
Not only was Stephens combative about his son being “detained,” but he was also allegedly intoxicated, according to the New York Post. What should have been a fun and memorable evening for everyone had an explosive ending.
More from CafeMom: Mom Says Dad Keeps Getting 'Blackout Drunk' When He’s Left To Watch the Kids Alone
Stephens' son apparently was in some kind of fight during the dance.
It is unclear what exactly happened before Stephens’ arrival. Still, according to the Post and other sources, the son was involved in a disagreement that caused a significant enough disruption that officials asked him to leave. When the father arrived, something seemed off. According to a police report obtained by the Post, he slurred his words and smelled of alcohol.
The allegedly drunken dad was reportedly unhappy with school officials.
Stephens reportedly wanted to take his son home immediately when he arrived, but a school resource officer said he wasn’t releasing him without speaking to school administration first, Fox 19 reported.
“Stephens was demanding that I (the officer) explain why his son was being illegally detained,” the police report reads, per Fox 19. “I attempted to explain to him that his son was being held so the assistant principal could do what she needed to do while investigating the incident and when she gets back she will determine if the parties could leave.”
Unsatisfied, Stephens tried to take his son on his own.
The father reportedly tried to take his son, but the officer reiterated that he would not release him. When the father refused to comply, the officer told him to leave. Yet again, he refused.
“Stephens continued to demand that he take his son so I told him he needed to leave,” the incident report reads, via Fox 19. “I approached Stephens to escort him from the room and building.”
A dramatic scuffle apparently ensued.
The officer said the seemingly intoxicated man resisted as he approached him. The pair ended up on the floor as the resource officer tried to handcuff the dad. He was ultimately detained and taken to Hamilton County Jail. Per the Post, he was charged with resisting arrest, criminal trespass, and disorderly conduct.
More from CafeMom: Mom Has a Message About All of the 'Mommy Wine' Jokes During Self-Isolation: It's Not Funny
The school district notified parents of the incident via a letter.
Anderson High School Principal Kyle Fender told parents the altercation took place at the dance but assured them no students were hurt, according to a letter obtained by Fox 19.
“The interaction between (the parent arrested) and the officer took place at the entrance and continued into the parent loop area. As you know, our SROs are members of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and we will cooperate with their office as they continue their investigation," the district’s letter states. "Due to the nature of the incident, we are limited in how much information we can share. The top priority at Anderson High School is to provide a safe and secure environment for everyone. I want to thank our SROs and HCSO for working with us in our efforts to ensure the safety of students and staff at Anderson High School.”
According to jail records, Stephens was released. It was unclear if he has obtained an attorney.
