Jesse Daniels from Village of Clyde, New York, went to investigate noises next door at his father-in-law's house, which was being renovated and temporarily vacant.
He found the house in a mess. It had been vandalized and most of the interior structure had been heavily damaged, either by being smashed or spray painted. He also found four boys hiding inside the house, one armed with a hammer.
The boys, ranging from age eight to 10, attempted to run from the house, but Daniels was able to grab the hammer from the boy.
He then ordered the boys into a closet where they stayed until the police arrived.
The boys were charged with felony burglary and criminal mischief. The damage done to the home was estimated to be over $50,000.
A few days later Daniels was arrested and charged with four counts of endangering the welfare of children.
According to radio.foxnews.com, the parents of the boys felt that Daniels reaction when finding the boys went too far. They alleged that the boys were traumatized because Daniels threatened to hit them with the hammer and that he grabbed one of them by the neck so hard that it left a red mark.
"I understand they were in the wrong, but there are other ways to handle it," parent Paul Bowler told WHAM. "He (Daniels) knew who the kids were. It's not like they were strangers. And send the kids home and call the cops then. You don't sit there and torment them and tell them you're going to bash their skulls in with a hammer."
If found guilty Daniels could be facing up to four years in jail.
In the meantime, Wayne County District Attorney Richard Healey told Fox news that the parents might be charged with child endangerment. His office is questioning why the children were out so late at night.
Poll: If Daniels did what the parents are accusing him of, did he go too far?
- 1) Yes
2) No.
3) Undecided.
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