Two men were arrested at a home in Tennessee after authorities say they refused to allow caseworkers from the Department of Children's Services inside, while officers alleged one of them was armed and confronted investigators with a gun.
Ernest Newbern, 58, and Anthony Wiseman, 68, were taken into custody Friday following reports of possible child neglect at a residence on Canyon Drive in Altamont, according to the Grundy County Sheriff's Office.
Background
The sheriff's office said DCS received a tip about how children in the home were being treated. When caseworkers arrived at the house to question the adults living there, they were allegedly met by Wiseman, who was armed and refused to let them inside "to continue their investigation." Investigators later alleged that one child inside the residence had been restrained to a bed using a restraint device.
After refusing entry to caseworkers, Wiseman locked the door behind him while two children remained inside the home. The nearby elementary school was placed on a "soft lockdown" as deputies responded to the scene.
The Investigation
Deputies arrived at the property and were also confronted by a man with a gun, later identified as Wiseman. According to authorities, Wiseman allegedly failed to follow police commands, and deputies deployed a Taser. The sheriff's office said the device "was only minimally effective," but officers were eventually able to disarm him and take him into custody.
Newbern was also arrested at the scene. Authorities identified him as the father of the children living in the home. Records indicate Newbern resides in Florida. Officers safely removed two small children from the residence; their current condition or custody status was not immediately disclosed by authorities.
The Charges
Wiseman has been charged with resisting arrest. Newbern faces a charge of child neglect. Both men are due to appear in Grundy County Circuit Court on September 10.
Online jail records showed Wiseman had been released from custody, though it remained unclear whether Newbern was also out of custody as of the report date.
Key Takeaways
- Ernest Newbern and Anthony Wiseman were arrested at a home in Altamont, Tennessee, where DCS caseworkers had gone to investigate reports of possible child neglect
- Authorities allege one child was restrained to a bed using a restraint device inside the residence
- Wiseman allegedly confronted caseworkers and deputies with a gun; he was subdued with a Taser before being taken into custody
- Two children were safely removed from the home; their current whereabouts were not specified by authorities
What's Next
Both men are scheduled to appear in Grundy County Circuit Court on September 10. The investigation remains active, and authorities have not disclosed whether additional charges may be filed as the case develops.