Family Pleads for Change After Man with Autism Shot by Police

Helen Haley's son, John Haley, was shot 12 times by Baltimore County police, leaving him paralyzed.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:09pm

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A family is pleading for change after a man with autism was shot by Baltimore County police. Helen Haley says her son John experienced a mental health crisis twice in 2025, and she called the crisis hotline hoping for a mental health professional response. Instead, police arrived and used excessive force, ultimately shooting John 12 times and leaving him paralyzed. The family is now seeking further investigation and plans to file a lawsuit.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the need for better training and protocols for law enforcement when responding to mental health crises, especially involving vulnerable populations like those with autism. It raises questions about the use of force and whether de-escalation tactics could have prevented the shooting.

The details

According to Helen Haley, her son John experienced mental health crises in April and May 2025. During the second incident, John was holding a knife for protection and could be heard on video asking for space before officers used a Taser on him and then shot him multiple times. Helen said she heard "one gunshot and then another" and "the chaos, the screaming, the terror of not knowing if my son was alive." John Haley is now paralyzed as a result of the shooting.

  • In April 2025, John Haley experienced a mental health crisis.
  • In May 2025, John Haley experienced another mental health crisis.
  • During the second incident in May 2025, John Haley was shot 12 times by Baltimore County police.

The players

Helen Haley

The mother of John Haley, who is pleading for change after her son with autism was shot 12 times by Baltimore County police.

John Haley

A man with autism who was shot 12 times by Baltimore County police during a mental health crisis, leaving him paralyzed.

Baltimore County Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the mental health crises involving John Haley and ultimately shot him 12 times.

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What they’re saying

“He was a terrified young man in crisis.”

— Helen Haley, Mother of John Haley

“I did what I was told a good mother should do. I went to court and I got an emergency (order). I called the crisis line. I believed the system would keep him safe.”

— Helen Haley, Mother of John Haley

“Instead, I watched my trust shattered in real time.”

— Helen Haley, Mother of John Haley

“I saw them put their hands on him in a way no mother ever expects to see their child treated.”

— Helen Haley, Mother of John Haley

“I heard my child on the porch surrounded, begging to be left alone. Then came a sound no mother should ever have to hear: One gunshot and then another. They seemed to go on forever. I remember the chaos, the screaming, the terror of not knowing if my son was alive.”

— Helen Haley, Mother of John Haley

What’s next

The Haley family is seeking further investigation into the incidents, and their attorney says a lawsuit will be filed.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the urgent need for better training and protocols for law enforcement when responding to mental health crises, especially involving vulnerable populations like those with autism. It underscores the importance of prioritizing de-escalation and mental health support over the use of excessive force.