Police ambushed a father in his home after they learned he pierced his son’s ears despite it being against the law due to his age.
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The shocking arrest was caught on video when Tontitown police officers barged into the home of Jeremy Sherland. During the arrest, the 45-year-old father could be seen scoffing and laughing at the officers while his wife and son protested. However, the situation started when the boy appeared in class with a piercing in his left ear, was overheard saying his father was drunk, and put him in a chokehold, then “shoved” the piercing in his ear.
There are overreactions, then there’s this.
A family in Arkansas were the target of a police raid on their home involving four officers, and all because of an ear piercing. pic.twitter.com/PXetyiQK51— RT (@RT_com) April 24, 2023
According to the Daily Mail, a Springdale police resource officer contacted the Tontitown Police Department on Thursday to conduct a welfare check. Sherland confessed to piercing his son’s ear but didn’t let investigators speak to him or answer any questions.
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Officers returned to the home with an arrest warrant issued by prosecuting attorney for Washington County, Matt Durrett. The state law claims it is forbidden to perform any body art on a person under 16 despite parental consent. Additionally, it is illegal to perform any body modification in any unlicensed facility. A violation of this law is a Class D felony.
Because of the potential health hazards and long-term repercussions of the practice, tattooing or executing body art on adolescents can be contentious. It is recommended that any decision about body art or tattoos for minors be made with care and under the supervision of a trustworthy adult. Selecting a respected and licensed artist who adheres to strict health and safety rules is also critical to reduce potential concerns.
The viral video sparked debate on social media, where many believed that police overreacted with their arrest. One Twitter user wrote, “This is actually ridiculous tbh. If you are so insistent on enforcing the law in that situation, then just fine the guy.” Others also referenced their own experience piercing their or their friend’s ears and didn’t face any consequences.
Every single thing about this situation is RIDICULOUS and policing cannot be reformed, but what I want to know is, how TF is it the police’s problem (whose salary comes from taxpayers) for a father to pierce his teenage son’s ear? Who reported this?! https://t.co/u7FdYXYDbm
— Nani ✨🏹✨ (@lenubienne) April 23, 2023
I don’t see how piercing is consider body art. That would be tattooing or brands. A piercing will heal up on its own if the piercing is removed. I don’t consider thst permanent. Someone is getting sued.
— NWFLTS (@NWFLTS) April 23, 2023
While it is unlawful to practice body art in an unlicensed facility, lobe piercings are allowed on children under 16, so the police are cherry picking their info here
— Holly🍕 (@hollysum1) April 24, 2023