Bodycam Video Man Stabs two Officers & Uses Infant Son as Human Shield

for violating his bond conditions. Langston had been previously charged with domestic violence against his child’s mother and was prohibited from contacting her—a condition he had violated earlier that day.

INITIAL CONFRONTATION AND ESCALATION

Upon arrival, officers found Langston seated in the driver’s seat of a locked silver Jeep, with his 1-year-old son in the passenger seat. When informed of his arrest, Langston refused to exit the vehicle, becoming increasingly agitated and causing the Jeep to shake violently. Despite officers’ warnings and the presence of civilian relatives urging him to comply, Langston continued to resist, at one point placing his son on his lap and using him as a human shield. The situation intensified as Langston revved the Jeep’s engine and eventually rammed a police vehicle, pushing it approximately 10 feet.

USE OF FORCE AND OFFICER INJURIES

In response to Langston’s actions, officers broke the rear passenger window of the Jeep to gain access. Langston continued to resist, swinging his infant son around the front seat and making threats. Officers managed to unlock the passenger door, turn off the ignition, and safely remove the child, handing him over to his mother who was present at the scene. As officers attempted to extract Langston from the vehicle, he produced an 8-inch folding knife and stabbed two officers—a sergeant sustained a stab wound to his lower abdomen, and a patrol officer suffered a gash on his right thigh. Both officers were treated at a local hospital and released shortly thereafter.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND COMMUNITY RESPONSE

Langston was arraigned on December 12, facing multiple charges, including two counts each of assaulting police causing injury, assault with a dangerous weapon, and fourth-degree child abuse. The first two charges are four-year felonies, while the latter is a one-year misdemeanor. His bond was set at $25,000 cash. Body-worn camera footage of the incident was released by the Bay City Department of Public Safety in the interest of transparency. Public Safety Director Caleb Rowell stated that the officers involved did not violate any policy or law with their actions, commending their composure and the minimal use of force necessary to arrest a violent felon. The community has largely expressed support for the officers’ handling of the situation, appreciating their patience and concern for the child’s safety.

CONCLUSION

This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of law enforcement duties and the challenges officers face in de-escalating volatile situations, especially when innocent lives are at stake. The swift and measured response by the Bay City police officers ensured the safety of the child and the community, despite the personal risks involved. As the legal proceedings against Langston continue, this case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities inherent in policing and the critical importance of adherence to the law.

For a visual account of the incident, you can watch the bodycam footage released by the Bay City Department of Public Safety above by clicking here

Bodycam Video Man Stabs two Officers, Uses Infant Son as Human Shield, Eshawn Langston

Bodycam Video Man Stabs two Officers, Uses Infant Son as Human Shield, Eshawn Langston