November 8th 2023.
A man in Arkansas was apprehended after being accused of hiding his daughter inside a wall to prevent her from being taken away by state employees.
CNN reported that 40-year-old Jon Thompson was detained on Friday, Nov. 4, and charged with false imprisonment, endangering the welfare of a minor, and interfering with child custody. He was later released after posting a $5,000 bond.
On Nov. 1, police officers accompanying workers from the Department of Human Services arrived at the Thompson residence to take his daughter away. Thompson refused to let the officers in and kept saying that his daughter wasn't present. After more than an hour, Thompson gave in and took the officers to a closet in the master bedroom where he had concealed his daughter.
Thompson had to pull out a board that was nailed onto the wall so the police officers could access the small area, which was about 6 by 4 feet, within the closet. The rescue was recorded on a police body-cam.
Detective Keith Lindley, who was present at the scene, said, "There are some law enforcement encounters that stay with us throughout our careers - some images and scenes are just etched into our minds. This is one of those moments. It's sad, but we are relieved she is safe."
According to the report, the 5-year-old girl was supposed to be placed in the custody of the state because Thompson had apparently kept her locked in a confined space for around 30 minutes without giving her the option to leave. The child admitted to feeling uneasy, yet said that it was a one-time event. Her father had also given her a candle for light in the enclosed area.
The media reached out to Thompson, to which he responded, "For the record - I love my daughter," and asked them to talk to his attorney. Thompson is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 4.
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