Family Pleads for Change After Man with Autism Shot 12 Times by Police

Baltimore County police face scrutiny over use of force against a man in mental health crisis.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:22pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing on a dark surface, reflecting the harsh, direct light of a camera flash, conceptually representing the aftermath of a police shooting during a mental health crisis.A single bullet casing left behind after a police shooting highlights the need for reform in how law enforcement responds to mental health emergencies.Baltimore Today

The family of John Haley, a man with autism who was shot 12 times by Baltimore County police officers during a mental health crisis, is pleading for change in how law enforcement responds to individuals experiencing such episodes. Helen Haley, John's mother, said she called a crisis hotline twice in 2025 seeking help, but instead watched as officers used excessive force against her son, ultimately leaving him paralyzed.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in how law enforcement interacts with individuals experiencing mental health crises, and the need for more specialized training and response protocols to ensure the safety of both the public and those in distress.

The details

According to Helen Haley, her son John experienced two mental health crises in 2025, once in April and once in May. Both times, she called the 988 crisis hotline, hoping someone with mental health training would respond. Instead, police officers arrived and used what she described as excessive force, including putting their hands on John in a way no mother would expect. During the second incident, John was holding a knife for protection when officers used a Taser on him and then shot him multiple times, leaving him paralyzed.

  • In April 2025, John Haley experienced a mental health crisis.
  • In May 2025, John Haley experienced another mental health crisis.
  • On April 2, 2026, the Haley family spoke out about the incidents.

The players

John Haley

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

Helen Haley

The mother of John Haley, who is pleading for change in how law enforcement responds to individuals experiencing mental health crises.

Baltimore County Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incidents involving John Haley, facing scrutiny over their use of force.

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What they’re saying

“'He was a terrified young man in crisis,'”

— Helen Haley, John Haley's mother

“'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, John Haley's mother

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

— Helen Haley, John Haley's mother

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

— Helen Haley, John Haley's mother

“'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, John Haley's mother

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for law enforcement agencies to implement more comprehensive training and response protocols when dealing with individuals experiencing mental health crises, in order to prevent the use of excessive force and ensure the safety of all involved.