Dad accused of using 2-year-old daughter as "human shield" (Apple Valley, Minnesota)

This illustrates what's wrong with our criminal justice system. This dude has a long criminal record, including CONVICTIONS for crimes like domestic assault. Nevertheless, the judge lets him out on bail during his most recent domestic assault investigation --with predicable results. We put this mom and child at further risk for their lives and in further emotional distress. We subjected this two-year-old girl to total terror as Daddy grabs her as a human shield when the cops pull guns.

It's all about Daddy's rights, you know.

Meanwhile, Mom, the crime VICTIM, is worried that she will be the one who is punished by being evicted from her home.

Dad the criminal gets coddled, Mom the crime victim is at risk of homelessness. What else do you need to know about domestic violence in the U.S.?

Dad is identified as TIMOTHY LEE MYERS.

http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_21673979/apple-valley-man-accused-holding-2-year-old

Apple Valley man accused of using 2-year-old as 'human shield'

By Nick Ferraro

Posted: 10/01/2012 12:01:00 AM CDT October 2, 2012 12:50 PM GMT

Updated: 10/02/2012 07:50:10 AM CDT

An Apple Valley man is accused of using his 2-year-old daughter as a "human shield" when police drew a gun on him during a recent domestic assault investigation.

Timothy Lee Myers, 52, has been charged in Dakota County District Court with gross misdemeanor child endangerment, as well as domestic assault and obstructing legal process, in connection with the Sept. 22 incident.

Police responded to Myers' house in the 14000 block of Garrett Avenue about 1:45 a.m. after dispatch reported a call with yelling in the background and the caller saying it was "getting pretty bad," according to a criminal complaint.

Officers forced their way into the house because of "ongoing concerns that someone inside had been assaulted and may be in danger," the complaint said.

Once confronted, Myers yelled at an officer and ignored demands to put his hands on his head. The officer pointed the gun at Myers, who refused to raise his hands and kept one behind his back, the complaint said.

Myers then picked up the girl and put her in front of him "like a human shield," the complaint said.

When another officer entered the room, the first officer grabbed the child. Myers physically resisted officers' attempts to place him in custody, the charges said. Two people who were in the house told police that

Myers and a female resident had been fighting. One said she heard the victim making noises like she was being choked, the complaint said.

The victim, identified in the complaint as "M.D.M.," told an officer she did not want to give a statement out of fear that she would be evicted.

"However, the investigating officer said M.D.M. shook her head in the affirmative when he asked her if Myers choked and hit her," the complaint said.

Myers was released from jail the same day after posting $5,000 bail, which included conditions that he have no contact with the victims and avoid using alcohol and drugs.

Myers, who could not be reached for comment on Monday, Oct. 1, is on probation because of a June drunken-driving conviction.

Court records show he also has been convicted of domestic assault, obstructing legal process (interfering with a peace officer) and disorderly conduct.

His next court appearance for the latest charges is scheduled for Oct. 23.