Father speaks out after autistic son removed from courtroom

Father speaks out after autistic son removed from courtroom

OSCEOLA, Ark. (KAIT) - The father of an autistic man is speaking out after his son was removed from a courtroom by law enforcement officers following a hearing before a District Court Judge Catherine Dean.

Daniel Thomas Jr. appeared in court Wednesday, July 22, on a misdemeanor harassment charge filed June 17. After Dean found him guilty, Thomas, who was set to serve 30 days, began begging loudly and moved toward the judge, according to the account of the encounter.

Police described his movement toward the judge as a breach of safety, and officers removed him from the room. Video captured Thomas saying, “Please, I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe,” as multiple officers took him from the courtroom.

Thomas’ father, Daniel Thomas Sr., said he later met with the police chief.

“He stated to me that the judge felt threatened and she signaled to the officer to remove them from the courtroom,” Thomas Sr. said.

Jessica Kitchen, a therapist who works with people with autism, said behaviors in stressful situations can be misunderstood. Speaking generally, she said people with autism may struggle to communicate and may be expected to re...