Family Pleads for Change After Man with Autism Shot by Police

Helen Haley's son John was shot 12 times by Baltimore County police during a mental health crisis.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 2:09am

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A family is pleading for change after a man with autism was shot by Baltimore County police. Helen Haley's son, John Haley, was shot 12 times by police during a mental health crisis, leaving him paralyzed. The family is seeking further investigation and plans to file a lawsuit.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the need for better police training and response protocols when dealing with individuals experiencing mental health crises, especially those with conditions like autism that require specialized de-escalation tactics.

The details

During two separate mental health crises in 2025, Helen Haley called the 988 crisis hotline and obtained an emergency order, hoping her son would receive help from mental health professionals. Instead, police officers responded and used excessive force, with John Haley being shot multiple times while holding a knife for protection and pleading for space.

  • In April 2025, John Haley experienced a mental health crisis.
  • In May 2025, John Haley experienced another mental health crisis.

The players

Helen Haley

The mother of John Haley, who is pleading for change and better police response protocols for individuals experiencing mental health crises.

John Haley

A man with autism who was shot 12 times by Baltimore County police during two separate mental health crises in 2025, leaving him paralyzed.

Baltimore County Police Department

The law enforcement agency responsible for the shooting of John Haley, who has stated they are limited in the information they can share due to the ongoing investigation.

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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 these incidents, and their attorney said a lawsuit will be filed.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the urgent need for improved police training and response protocols when dealing with individuals experiencing mental health crises, especially those with conditions like autism that require specialized de-escalation tactics to prevent unnecessary violence and harm.