A Williamsport, Pennsylvania father is speaking out after sharing videos of his son’s first encounter with law enforcement, saying the situation started after his son was reportedly viewed as “suspicious” while walking through the neighborhood.
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Jessie Lopez Sr. shared videos of his son, Jessie Lopez Jr., being approached by an officer who questioned him about wearing a hooded jacket during warm weather. According to Lopez Sr., the officer focused on the clothing his son was wearing before the interaction escalated.
The officer reportedly told Jessie Jr. that he was conducting a traffic stop after the young man crossed the road in front of a vehicle. Video from the encounter shows the officer speaking with Jessie Jr. before the situation eventually led to him being detained and handcuffed.
Lopez Sr. said there was a reason his son was wearing his hood. He explained that Jessie Jr. suffers from eczema and that direct sunlight can worsen his skin condition.
“He was wearing a hooded jacket because he suffers from eczema, and direct sunlight aggravates his skin condition. Although it was warm outside, there was a legitimate medical reason for him wearing his hood,” Lopez Sr. told The Shade Room.
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In another video shared by the family, Jessie Jr. can be seen sitting in the back of a vehicle while handcuffed. While Lopez Sr. said he was concerned about the encounter, he also said he wants his son to learn how to safely handle interactions with police.
“This was a lesson for both of us. I need to make sure he knows how to interact with police, even when he feels he’s done nothing wrong. Things can escalate fast,” Lopez Sr. wrote in a social media caption.
The incident has sparked conversations online about police encounters, youth safety, and how officers determine when someone appears suspicious.
On Thursday, the Williamsport Bureau of Police released a statement about the viral videos, clarifying that the officer involved was part of the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office, not the Williamsport Police Department.
The family’s videos continue to circulate as people debate accountability, communication, and the importance of understanding both community concerns and law enforcement procedures.
