Altamont, Tennessee — A child welfare investigation at a Tennessee home quickly escalated into an armed confrontation after authorities say two men refused to allow caseworkers inside to investigate reports that a child may have been restrained to a bed.
The incident resulted in the arrests of 58-year-old Ernest Newbern and 68-year-old Anthony Wiseman, after deputies responded to the residence in Grundy County and encountered an armed man who allegedly refused to follow police commands.
Child Neglect Report Brings Caseworkers to Home
According to the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office, the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services received a report concerning possible child neglect at a residence on Canyon Drive in Altamont.
DCS caseworkers went to the home to speak with the adults living there and investigate the allegations.
Authorities said the report included a particularly concerning claim that a child inside the residence may have been restrained to a bed with a restraint device.
The caseworkers reportedly attempted to enter the home to continue their investigation, but officials said they were stopped by a man who was armed with a gun.
Armed Man Allegedly Refuses to Let Investigators Inside
According to investigators, the man refused to allow DCS workers into the residence and allegedly prevented them from continuing their investigation.
The man was later identified as Anthony Wiseman.
Police said Wiseman subsequently locked the door behind him while two children remained inside the home. Concerned about the situation and the reported presence of a firearm, the caseworkers contacted law enforcement for assistance.
Deputies arrived at the residence and said they were also confronted by Wiseman, who was allegedly holding a gun.
Deputies Use Taser During Confrontation
Authorities said deputies ordered Wiseman to comply, but he allegedly failed to follow their commands. Officers then deployed a Taser in an attempt to take him into custody.
According to the sheriff’s office, however, the Taser was “only minimally effective.” Deputies eventually managed to disarm Wiseman and take him into custody, bringing the armed confrontation to an end.
The incident also resulted in the arrest of Ernest Newbern, whom authorities identified as the father of the children.
Two Children Safely Removed From Home
Following the confrontation, authorities said two small children were safely removed from the residence.
Officials did not publicly provide details about the children’s physical condition or explain whether they were subsequently placed in the custody of the Department of Children’s Services.
The original allegation involving a child being restrained to a bed remains part of the broader investigation. Authorities have not publicly disclosed the identity or age of the child who was allegedly restrained.
Nearby School Placed Under Soft Lockdown
The situation prompted additional safety precautions in the surrounding community.
The sheriff’s office said a nearby elementary school was placed under a “soft lockdown” while deputies dealt with the situation at the residence.
The precaution was lifted after the incident was brought under control.
No injuries to the children or responding deputies were reported in the information released by authorities.
Two Men Face Separate Charges
Wiseman was charged with resisting arrest following the confrontation with deputies. Newbern, who authorities said lives in Florida, was charged with child neglect.
Online jail records showed that Wiseman had been released from custody, although it was unclear from the available information whether Newbern had also been released.
Both men are scheduled to appear in Grundy County Circuit Court on September 10.
The allegations against the men remain accusations, and the case is expected to proceed through the court system. Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges could follow as investigators continue examining the circumstances involving the children.
What do you think about how authorities handled this situation? Should armed confrontations during child welfare investigations result in tougher penalties? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
