A Wheelersburg woman called 911 around 11 p.m. with a terrifying report: the father of several children—who was not supposed to be at the home due to a restraining order—had shown up anyway. Moments later, she told dispatch the situation escalated dramatically:
“He took off with the kids… headed toward South Point in a black Chevy Tahoe.”
Scioto County Sheriff’s Deputies immediately launched into action. One deputy spotted the SUV traveling east on U.S. 52 near the Wheelersburg exit and initiated a traffic stop. Officers detained the man and his companion, ensuring the children were safe and unharmed.
CPS was contacted right away, and deputies stayed with the children at a nearby gas station until relatives arrived to pick them up.
Deputies said they’ll follow up with the mother in the morning regarding the custody and protection-order issues.
During the stop, police also took Robert Hill into custody on an outstanding burglary warrant from another jurisdiction—a charge unrelated to the custody matter.
Why “Self-Help” in Custody Disputes Can Blow Up Fast
Incidents like this are exactly why law enforcement urges parents not to take matters into their own hands, even when emotions are running high or orders feel unfair.
Here’s what not to do:
- ❌ Don’t show up unannounced at a home when a court order says you can’t.
- ❌ Don’t remove children without permission or outside the terms of the custody agreement.
- ❌ Don’t try to resolve custody disagreements in the driveway or front yard.
These actions can lead to:
- Criminal charges (kidnapping, interference with custody, violation of a protection order)
- Loss of visitation rights
- Escalation into dangerous confrontations
- Trauma for the children
Safer Options for Parents in Crisis
If a co-parent violates an order or tensions spike:
- Call law enforcement — immediately.
That’s what officers are for. They can intervene without escalating the conflict.
- Document everything.
Screenshots, messages, times, locations — all of this helps in court.
- Go through the courts:
- File a motion to modify custody
- Request enforcement of an existing order
- File for a protection order if needed
- Never put the children in the middle.
Even tense moments can leave lasting emotional harm.
Deputies’ swift actions ensured the children’s safety and prevented what could have become a dangerous late-night pursuit. Another reminder that when it comes to custody conflicts, calling professionals is always the safest choice.