Pennsylvania Child Custody Case Erupts Into Chaos

An argument between a young Pennsylvania couple and their respective parents over a child custody case erupted into a scuffle with police. Elizabeth Dallas went to the home of Donnie Henderson, the father of her child, with a temporary protective order issued by the judge in her child custody case. Her parents and police from the nearby town of Donora accompanied her as she went to pick up her child. When they arrived, Mr. Henderson and his parents attempted to drive off with the child and defy the court order.

Details of the Child Custody Case

Washington County Common Pleas Judge Michael Lucas issued the order, known as a “protection from abuse” or “PFA” order, in the contentious child custody case. When Mr. Henderson and his parents read the order, they noticed that the starting date on the paper was August 31. Since Ms. Dallas had attempted to pick up the child before the effective date, the Hendersons claimed the order was not in effect. They also maintained that they should maintain physical custody in the child custody case until the order took effect.

Cars and Chaos in Child Custody Case

As the officers sought clarification on the child custody case and the protective order’s effective date, the younger Mr. Henderson went inside his residence to retrieve his child and a car seat. Officers noticed that the young man’s attempt to leave with the child as Ms. Dallas ran after him. Mr. Henderson attempted to escape the officers by driving around the police vehicles parked in his driveway. Mrs. Dallas, Ms. Dallas’ mother, blocked Mr. Henderson’s escape with her own vehicle. When Mr. Henderson tried to drive around Ms. Dallas’ vehicle, Mr. Dallas jumped into the moving car to stop him.

Parents’ Parents Involved In Child Custody Case

The Dallas’ interference was enough to cause the younger Mr. Henderson to crash his vehicle. Neither the men nor the child was injured in the slow-speed collision. Mr. Henderson’s parents then loaded the child into their vehicle. Police then received word of another PFA order in the child custody case regarding Mr. Henderson’s parents. Officers warned the older couple that they would be charged if they left with the child, but the Hendersons ignored the officers and drove away from the scene.

Charges Filed in Child Custody Case

Everyone involved in the disorganized scene of the child custody case dispute faces criminal charges. Mr. Henderson and Ms. Dallas were charged with disorderly conduct, as were Ms. Dallas’ parents. Police also charged Mr. Dallas with endangering the welfare of a child and riot-intent to commit a felony. Mrs. Dallas was also charged with endangering the welfare of a child and reckless driving. The Hendersons were charged with interference in a child custody case.

Source: TribLive

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