Rather patronizing advise from the Baltimore police, given that orders of protection are nearly impossible to get in Maryland--even when Dad has a well-documented history of violence.
Dad is identified as ERIC FORD SR.
http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2012/09/27/man-arrested-in-shooting-that-hurt-mother-and-her-4-year-old-son/
Father Arrested In Shooting That Hurt 4-Year-Old Son & The Child’s Mother
September 27, 2012 10:53 PM
Reporting Rochelle Ritchie
BALTIMORE (WJZ)—A father is in jail, accused of shooting his own son and the child’s mother. The shooting happened Wednesday night in the 900-block of Gorsuch Avenue.
Rochelle Ritchie has more on the victims and the shooter.
Many people who live near the victims remain in disbelief that a father could fire several shots and shoot his own son in the hip. The 26-year-old is in jail. His son and the child’s mother are recovering at the hospital.
It was just before 9:30 p.m. Wednesday when gunshots were heard ringing out of a home on Gorsuch Avenue.
“Seems like a total random and crazy event,” said Mark Williams, neighbor.
Now neighbors remain in shock as news spreads that the youngest gunshot victim is a 4-year-old boy.
“It’s too close to home. Just the fact it happened and it happened with a child by his own father,” said Marlo Davis, neighbor.
Baltimore City police say the shooter, 26-year-old Eric Ford Sr., is the child’s father and was in an argument with his son’s mother when he pulled out a gun and began shooting, hitting the mother in the torso and face and the son in the hip.
“It’s very troubling. The fact the child was subjected to this alleged abuse, it’s a true tragedy,” said Sgt. Anthony Smith, Baltimore City Police.
The victim grabbed her son and ran out of the home.
Police say Ford continued to hit her as she clutched her child in her arms.
“I think that is the worst thing ever, and that baby don’t deserve that,” said Tanya Carol.
The victims were rushed to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Ford ran from the scene but was caught several hours later.
Police cannot confirm if there have been other domestic violence situations between the mother and the shooter, but residents tell WJZ other violent incidents have happened.
“No follow-up had been done for the mother and children to be able to address the issues going on in that household,” Smith said.
Baltimore City police say there is help for victims of domestic violence to give them a way out before they or their child get hurt.
“We want you to know please call if you’re suffering from domestic violence. We certainly don’t want this to escalate to where a handgun is introduced,” Smith said.
Police are still investigating whether the gunshot to the 4-year-old was intentional.
Ford does have prior criminal offenses.
Ford is charged with attempted murder and assault in this case.