WILLIAMSPORT TEEN DETAINED AFTER POLICE QUESTION HIM OVER HOODIE; FATHER SAYS SON HAS SEVERE ECZEMA
- Jul 9
- 1 min read
WILLIAMSPORT, Pennsylvania — A Williamsport father is speaking out after his teenage son was stopped, questioned, and temporarily detained by law enforcement during an encounter that has drawn attention on social media.
According to the family, the teen was initially questioned by an officer about wearing a hooded sweatshirt in warm weather. The officer later told the teen he was being stopped because he had crossed the street in front of a vehicle, describing the encounter as a traffic stop.
The teen’s father, Jessie Lopez Sr., said his son wears hooded clothing to protect his skin from direct sunlight due to severe eczema. He believes the encounter could have been handled differently but also views it as an opportunity to teach his son how to safely interact with law enforcement.
A video shared online shows the teen, identified by his father as Jessie Lopez Jr., handcuffed in the back of a police vehicle.
In a statement following the incident, the Williamsport Bureau of Police clarified that the officer involved was employed by the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office, not the Williamsport Bureau of Police.
The circumstances surrounding the stop have sparked discussion online about police interactions with young people and the importance of understanding medical conditions that may influence a person’s appearance or clothing choices.
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