CINCINNATI — Rodney Hinton Jr. remains in custody without bond as he awaits trial for allegedly running down Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputy Larry Henderson with his vehicle. This charge follows the tragic death of Hinton’s son, an 18-year-old shot by police during an attempted arrest for fleeing from a stolen vehicle.

At a court hearing on Tuesday, a Hamilton County Municipal Judge mandated Hinton Jr. be held without bail, citing safety concerns for both the defendant and the public. The judge requested that any necessary mental health treatment be arranged for Hinton Jr., who has been deemed a risk to himself and others.

The court proceedings come in the wake of last week’s incident where Hinton’s son, Ryan Hinton, was killed by Cincinnati police after allegedly pointing a firearm at an officer while escaping. The confrontation occurred when law enforcement approached Ryan and three others in a stolen car. Lawyers for Hinton Jr. have entered a not guilty plea, arguing for his release on bail and emphasizing the mental health issues that contributed to his actions.

Clyde Bennett II, Hinton Jr.’s attorney, described his client as suffering from severe mental distress rather than depicting him as a “cop killer.” He urged the court to consider Hinton Jr.’s state of mind, asserting that individuals experiencing mental health crises should be treated differently within the legal system.

During the hearing, a disruption occurred when a man in the gallery shouted for his brother, leading to a brief pause in proceedings and Hinton Jr. being escorted out for safety reasons. This incident highlighted the emotional turmoil surrounding the case, underscoring the tensions among family members as they grapple with their losses.

The prosecution presented evidence that on the day of his son’s death, Hinton Jr. met with police to view body camera footage related to the shooting, an experience that contributed to his mental agitation. According to Officer Carl Beebe, Hinton Jr. was “very distraught” upon leaving the police station after watching the footage.

Following this meeting, witnesses and video evidence suggested that Hinton Jr. allegedly accelerated his vehicle toward Deputy Henderson, resulting in a fatal collision. Prosecutors indicated there was no indication that Hinton Jr. attempted to brake or evade the deputy before the impact. The prosecution argued that Hinton Jr.’s mental state poses a significant risk to public safety.

While his attorney noted that Hinton Jr. has no previous felony convictions and maintains local family ties, the judge expressed doubts about public safety should Hinton Jr. be released. The judge’s decision underscores the delicate balancing act of addressing mental health issues while ensuring the safety of the community.

The next court appearance for Hinton Jr. is scheduled for May 12. Meanwhile, his family is actively seeking answers regarding the circumstances that led to Ryan Hinton’s death. Counsel representing the family has filed a public records request demanding access to police reports and body camera footage from the incident, indicating a thorough investigation into the police’s actions is underway.

Hinton’s family aims to review all evidence surrounding the case, determined to understand the decisions that led to the shooting. The dual tragedies of the father and son underscore the escalating challenges surrounding mental health and law enforcement’s interactions within communities, prompting broader discussions on the systems in place to support individuals in distress.