Listen, she was being cool. >> She manipulates everything. I don't know if she's going to try and get him to say that everything is okay. >> When When we were told you brought her back. >> NO, I DIDN'T BRING HER BACK. WHAT? >> You brought her back? >> I didn't drive. No. No, man. I didn't bring her back. Somebody's lying to y'all. >> On March 22nd, 2023 around 4 in the morning, officers responded to a reported battery. A woman claiming she was attacked by her boyfriend's wife after a late night custody dispute escalated into a physical assault on a public street. >> What's going on? >> Should I hang out with him? >> Yeah, you can hang out with him. >> Okay. So, I brought my boyfriend here and he's been gone from here for like 3 weeks. He's trying to get away from his wife. He's in the house. I don't know if they're fighting. The kids are in there. He just wants to get his kids. She's not stable. We've been trying to do this for over a year now. He just wants to see his kids. She came to my car. She got in her car, sped off, came to my car, and >> Okay. >> And she just attacked me. She opened my door. I was so in panic. I couldn't drive. >> So, she showed up to the house. He went up to get the kids. >> I just drove by and I dropped him off. He walked over to the house that way. If she was outside, she wouldn't see me and like go insane. Okay. So then I drove off and I parked around the corner from the house. So she got in her car. I heard her like, >> you know, hit the gas really hard. She sped up, found my car. I was in such a panic. I couldn't move. I put my car in neutral. So she opened my door. She started just bashing me in my face. She tried grabbing my my vagina. I guess she thinks I'm pregnant. So she wants to kill the baby. If I am pregnant, I don't know. She started just bashing me in my head. I was screaming, "Help! Help! Please, somebody help!" I was trying to kick her off of me. I don't know exactly what I did to her, but she she came to my car. >> And you said that they're that he's still in the house with her. >> I think they're I don't know in the house. He just wants to see his kids, and she's making it so hard for him. We've been going through She's even trespassed from my apartment complex cuz he just wants his kids. >> Okay. >> So, The boyfriend that she's with is still in the house with the other female and the kids, but she managed to get away. >> Okay. >> But >> everything's on your face. He did. >> No, she did. She came to my car and attacked me >> and she basically was just like >> I I don't know. Does she have a white car? >> No, she has a like a gray traverse. She pulled back in. Oh, but she's actually a guy I guess there's a guy over there. He came and got in her car and got her pulled her off of me cuz I was screaming for help like it's 4:00 in the morning or whatever. So, I'm screaming for help. >> I think it's 3446. I'm not exactly sure. He tried to send it to me one night and like >> You said there's seven kids in there. >> Yeah. One child is hers, six are his. >> What's her name? >> Her name is Kiara. >> All right. Do you have your ID? >> Yeah. >> Can I have a place? >> What's her last name? >> Her last name is Grandpa. We'll stick around just long enough to make sure y'all have no patience down at the house. >> Yeah, we're going to we're I want to get some of her information. Then we're going to run down there. >> Okay. >> Unless they can go ahead and go down there now. I don't know if anyone can figure out. I don't know what I hit in my car, but the light is not turning off. She um is she white or black? >> She's mixed. So, she's like really light skinned cuz she's mixed. She's about my height. >> Her name's PR. >> Yeah. >> And she's just not stable like because of how she is. I don't know. She manipulates everything. I don't know if she's going to try and get him to say that everything is okay. We've been going through this for over a year. And I'm not even saying this to bash her. She's just not okay. She's not stable. >> Is this the correct address on your license? Do you want to press charges against her? >> Um, yes, please. Like, it's gone too far this time. >> Okay. Um, I don't want to be repeat. I just want to make sure I got it correct. You showed up to her house >> so your boyfriend can see the kids or to pick them up. >> He wants to get the small ones. The older ones, they go to school. He doesn't even know if she's been taken to school. He's He literally had to escape from her about 2 weeks ago because she's just crazy. >> Well, I'm just more concerned about right here, right now. I'm not concerned about the past. >> Yeah. >> But you showed up today with him. >> Yes. So, thank you so much. >> To pick up two How many was the two younger kids? >> The three younger ones. The ones that are aren't in school. So, that would be the one-year-old, I believe, the four-year-old. >> And >> so, whenever you showed up, then what happened? So, we came through here. He told me to just >> Okay. So, what happens when you got to the house? >> I didn't actually go to the house. I parked around the corner. >> Okay. >> So, he got out. He said, "I'm just going to go in here, try and grab my things, and try and grab my kids. Hopefully, she's asleep or at least see." He just wanted to see their face. So, he went over there and I drove around here maybe like 10 minutes. Then I just parked somewhere. So I believe she spotted my car. So she got in her car. All you hear is the gas go like that. >> So she followed you. >> She Yes. I was in such a panic mode. I couldn't even cuz I had turned my car off. I couldn't even get my car and start. So she came to my car. She opened my door. I was trying to lock it. I was scared. She she so she once you Where did you stop at? >> I stopped So their street is the next street over. So I was parked on the outside of the street like >> So you stopped in spot. >> Then she came up to your window. >> Yes. She came up to my car. She started beating on the window. She >> Hang on. Hang on. >> So she came up to the car, beat on your driver window. >> Yeah. >> Okay. She opened my door and I was locked in my seat belt cuz I was trying to drive off >> and she just started attacking me. She started punching me in my >> Okay. So, she started beating on the window and then she opened the door. >> Yes. >> She opened your door and then she started hitting you. >> Yes. Started like she was like this. I was walking my seatelt and she started punching me in my head. >> Trying to grab my eyes. She tried grabbing my vagina. I guess she thinks I'm crazy. So, she's trying to kill I don't know. I don't know if I'm >> So, she Did she punch you? >> She punched me in my face. >> Smacked and scratched. >> Scratched me. >> She kept doing over and over. She tried to choke me and she just kept bashing my head and I was just >> bashing your head how >> like against everything just trying to like unc Yeah. >> How when she was doing that, how did she grab you? >> She just like like >> Did she actually physically go around your neck? >> Yes. >> With her hands? She was like this. >> Was it one hand or two hands? >> Just one. >> One hand. >> While the other hand, she kept swinging me in my head >> and just trying to hit my head against the steering wheel. >> Okay. So now whenever she did that, were you able to breathe at all? >> I was just like like that cuz I was just hyperventilating and I was just I just kept screaming. >> At any point during that time did were you ever able to not breathe? No. >> You were able to breathe through the whole thing? Okay. If anything, I was hyperventilating and I was screaming for help. All I could do was scream for help. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, after all that took place, then what happened? >> Then a guy, I don't know if he was their neighbor, it was a black guy, he came and he was like, "Get off. Get off of her." And I thought it was him, my boyfriend, but it was another guy. I don't know where he came. >> So, an unknown no male separated y'all? >> Yes. and he was able I don't know if she walked off cuz I was just trying to drive off but I know he got in the car to move the car. I think she walked off. >> Okay. So after he separated y'all, she walked off. >> Yeah. And he got in the car and drove the car back to the house. >> Drove her car. >> Yeah. >> He was like he just kept saying the police is on the way. The police is on the way. CMS clear. >> All right. Um, if you can just do me a favor, just hang tight here, >> okay? And I'm going to go down there and I'll I'll be back with you. Okay. >> Officers, how you >> how are you doing? Is Kiara here by any chance? No, she actually left with a friend. >> She left what? >> She left with a friend. >> When did she leave? >> Where is she, man? >> I I I don't I don't know. I came here to see my kids. >> Do you Do you live here? >> Yeah, this is Miles. >> Are you okay if we go in and look? >> Nope. >> Okay. So, where is she, dude? >> I don't know. I don't know. My kids asleep. No. No. No. I'm serious. I already know the You know. >> Okay. We not >> Who's Whose car is this then? >> That's mine. Okay. Who just Why is there like crash marks on it then? >> So, she left with a friend. >> Yeah, she had >> realized we just got here. >> Well, no, she's been she been gone. She been gone, though. >> No, it's just happened. Well, when >> we were told you brought her back. >> No, I didn't bring her back. What? >> You brought her back? >> I didn't drop No. No, man. I didn't bring her back. Somebody's lying to y'all. >> Okay. Well, we know she's in there then, >> huh? >> We know she's in there. So there's no reason to lie to us, man. >> Y'all taking Let's come get her. >> Let Look, you got seven kids in the house, man. This can go as peaceful as can be instead of you sitting there hiding her in there for her. >> Okay. Well, you harbor you harboring someone. >> All right. All right. Fine. >> Okay. >> Fine. >> So, just tell her to come out here. >> We don't want to go in there and have to drag her out. You got kids in there. >> Is the girl still around? that we're not going with the situation >> is that >> what >> that's irrelevant right now. All right. We want to talk to her. >> Sure. >> She's not anywhere near here. I can tell you that. >> All right. Okay. >> Uh All right. Well, >> we can either go in and get her. >> No, I'll bring her. >> We're going to keep the door open. Okay. I'll bring her. >> All right. >> Door's going to stay open, man. >> Just go just go get her. I got you, man. >> Listen, man. We were We already Sorry, man. I >> You're good. If you just bring her out, makes it peaceful. Come on. Now you got kids. >> Just put them on. She can put them on real quick. >> Put them on now. Chill out. I'm good. I said >> all right. Listen. I'm just going to detain you for now. Okay. You're not under arrest yet. >> Close the door. I'm good. I'm good. >> Just face the wall for me real quick. Of course. Right. You don't have anything on you like you said? >> No, sir. Charging me with not charging me right now. >> Detainer. >> She's just being detained for now. >> I'm good. >> It's okay. >> We're just talking to her for now. Okay. >> I'm good. Okay. >> All right. Come out to the car. >> We'll we'll take the Take the We'll go over to the car. I'm gonna read you some stuff, okay? And then and then I'll ask you some questions. All right. >> All right. Just give me one second. You can face me. You're good. Just hang out. Okay. >> I just don't want HOA in my my business. >> I got you. No worries. >> I understand. >> You look young. >> I'm 95. What are you? >> Huh? >> 95. >> 95. >> I'm 95. >> What do you think I am? >> 95. >> No. IO2. >> What? >> Yeah. >> Wow. You're young. >> All right. I'm going to read you Go ahead. >> your Miranda rights. Okay. Before I ask you any questions, I got >> I thought I was under arrest. No, >> it's you're being detained right now. You're not under arrest. Okay. >> Yes, sir. >> All right. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court of law. Okay. You have the right to talk to a lawyer and have him present with you while you're being questioned. If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, one will be appointed to you to represent you before any questioning. If you wish, you can decide at any time to execute these rights and not answer any questions or make any statements. >> Do you understand each of these rights I've already explained to you? >> Yes, sir. Everybody pull up to the phone, please. >> Okay. Having these rights in mind, do you wish to talk to us now? >> Okay. >> Would you like to talk or no? >> No. >> I mean I mean I'm Yeah. No. >> It's Listen, it's up to you. You can say no. I don't want to talk. >> Honestly, I'm really just good. It's fine. >> You don't want to talk about anything? >> No. Like we can talk. I'm good. >> Okay. You do want to talk. >> Yeah. I trust you. It's fine. >> Yes or no? I need a yes or no. >> Yes. Sorry. Yes. >> What What happened tonight? >> Honestly, it was just like a marital basically a marital dispute. My husband pulled up with another woman. It was just like and she jumped out of me and it was just kind of like a whole dispute and then she jumped out of her car and then pulled off on me. And that was really how it was. Like I was in the house with my kids. They're asleep right now. Like as a whole, you can go in there right now. They're all asleep. >> Okay. >> I did nothing wrong. >> So they showed up here to the house. >> She She showed up to my house. Yes, sir. Okay. >> And I have witness I have witnesses to that. Yes, sir. They're probably asleep right now, but he can tell you she showed up to my house. >> So, was he already here or did she drop them off? >> She dropped like basically so she pulled up. She pulled up right down the road and she jumped out of my car or whatever and he was in my house cuz he seen another man in my house and he got mad and she pulled up whatever and it was a whole altercation with her. But I did not do anything wrong. Like they pulled up to my house. He could tell you. He could come out here and not say. >> So they showed up here? Yes, they showed up in my house. Yes, sir. >> Do you guys need EMS or anything? >> No, we're we're fine. We're fine. >> That lady, did she need anything? The lady was up there. Y'all are probably good to go. >> Yeah, they don't need anything here. We appreciate y'all. >> Yeah, he can confirm they pulled up to my house. I did not >> When they arrived here, how did the altercation start? >> So, she pul he he banged on the door. I was in there with my friends and he banging on the door and she was outside and she started yelling at me, jumped out, whatever. And I came outside and she started fighting me and I defended myself and then she >> fight >> like she started punching at me, kicking me like cuz I was right there in my car like she was at the front door of my car and the whole thing kind of it was it's honestly just a blur. >> She said so whenever they got here he came up and knocked. Yes. >> And then that's when she started arguing with you. >> Yes. because >> And then she started swinging on me. >> Yes. And so cuz then she pulled up she pulled down the road. She started pulling down the road and I was like, "What? You know what's going on?" Whatever. Whatever. It was like just a whole scenario. Like it was just honestly I'm sorry, but it was just messy. Like I'm, you know, it was just messy scenario. Like it was just But I never left nobody. I never came to like I'm trespass from her apartment. That's the truth. I'm trespassed from her apartment and they came to my house. My house is right there. 3446. Have you had like disputes with her before? >> Yes, I was trespassed from her house from my husband. Yeah. >> Okay. >> But see, this time I was in my house with my friends and they came to my house. >> So, you have friends that are still in there? >> No, they're not there anymore. They actually left. He was rolling on out recently, but it was um my friend Travis and my friend Well, he's not I'm not going to say his name, but they were here. He could tell you he'll my h my husband will honestly tell you they were here. Like he could heal. >> I got you. I get you. It's just more of a matter of like the sequence of events that happened. >> Oh, no. No. Trust me. Like it was a big It was a big >> So, let me let me get this right. She rolls up. >> I'm sorry. Can you just like take the hair out of my my mouth? Sorry. I'm not trying to be funny. I can't No, he did nothing wrong. >> Okay. Well, I will talk to him in a minute. >> No, you did nothing wrong. No, >> no, no. >> Listen, I will talk to him in a minute. I still have his side of the story to get right now. I'm talking to you. >> He did nothing wrong. He did nothing wrong. >> So when they arrived here and y'all started arguing and then she started swinging on you first. >> Yes. >> Okay. Why? >> Because of him. >> Okay. What was being said during that? >> There was nothing really said. It was kind of like just like a >> So she shows up here, parks down here, he comes up, knocks on the door. >> Yeah. And she was kind of just talking [ __ ] Like I didn't really get the whole synopsis. Like I'm first of all I drink wine in my own house. I'm a whole I'm a common person. Like it was just it was fine. Like I'm just another mom. Just >> I'm not worried about him right now. >> I know. I know. >> I'm worried about getting the side of the story. >> Your job. It's >> This is a going back and forth. >> Yeah. It's It's my fault. >> You're not You're not giving me the whole story. I feel as if you're holding stuff back. >> Oh, no. I'm not holding them back. Trust me. It just doesn't make any sense why she would show up here with him. Hold on, stop. Listen to me. It doesn't make any sense how she would show up here with him. He's going to knock on the door to see the kids and then all of a sudden she's going to start talking smack to you and then and then out of the blue come up and start fighting him. >> So, at first I would have let him see the kids. That was the whole scenario. I would let him see the kids cuz he knocked on the door when I had people in there and he was like he was knocking on the door and I was like, "Who was that knock on the door?" Like, cuz I don't have people over my house like whatsoever. So he on the door and I I looked through the darn, you know, the darn peep hole and I looked through and I was like, "Oh, you know, she drives a red car with rims." Like I know what the [ __ ] car looks like. So the whole the whole thing went down and like me and her I went out there and I told him I was like, "Oh, you can't see the kids." I was like, "You know, what are you what are you in my house for? It's 5:00 in the It's 5:1 in the morning. You're seeing kids." You know what I'm saying? I'm saying like I was like, >> "So what was the purpose of him showing up then?" >> Exactly. So earlier today, his brother, and you can confirm this, his brother, my car battery, which is right there, was dead. And his brother went and basically told him really worried he's going to do something to >> So you started arguing with her. >> You can look at my house. Like I have >> She started arguing with her at the corner. >> It was like a little bit a little bit down a little bit. >> But you were outside. >> Yeah, I was outside. I was outside for sure. >> So the moment you walked out and you saw her, that's when you all started. >> It was like an immediate like like I said, they have a ring coming right there. It was like a whole immediate thing and she got to around the corner and then all of a sudden she like as soon as we started fighting she started yelling like screaming. I'm like well well you started with me like I've never been in any trouble like you can check my license to clean like my kids all that everything's clean with me like I have no issues. So that's why I'm like I've never been in altercation like besides >> So after you all started arguing and yelling then what happened? >> It really was just she just started yelling. I just left her alone because I was scared. My kids had physical contact of >> Yeah. No, we had physical contact. Like she was hitting me, I was hitting her. It was physical contact. >> Okay. So, after y'all arguing, after y'all were done arguing, how did when did that come into play? >> Really? I just walked back in the house. >> Did she go inside? >> No, she was like, >> "Did you stay out here?" >> No, I walked back in the house. Like, she was right down the road like past that little silver truck. She walked back in like we were right down there arguing and then she was like, she started screaming and I walked back in the house and I was like, "The police are going to come." I was like, >> "Yeah, >> I've never been in any trouble." So I'm like, like my kids are in the house, dude. Like it was just like a marital really just >> So after y'all got done arguing, you went right back inside. >> I went right back inside. >> So there was no fight. >> No, I told you. Like we had like a little altercation down there. >> That's why I'm trying to get the sequence of events and how they unfolded. >> We were down there. We had >> They showed up here. He knocked on your door. You came outside. You saw her. You started arguing. When did the fight occur? >> And me and her started fighting and then she started screaming at me. And then I was like I was like damn. I was like okay. Well I was like okay well you know I know you're gonna call the police. I was like I walk back in the house and I was like well the police are gonna come. And she pulled off but then she circles around right there. >> And then I was like >> okay. So after y'all got done fighting back around and she went right over there on that side >> to see like basically see what I guess. I don't know. But I was in the house and I looked at the window and she was circling around over there and I was like CrossFit Jackson Road. >> I was like well sleeping you mind >> under cover see my kids at the door right there. >> I don't want to just leave them right. >> Can we see? Hey. Hey. Can you guys see if the kids are at the door right there? I believe the situation. I just don't want any any problems. >> Okay. So, you went inside. She circled the neighborhood. >> Yeah. No, she c she circled around right there and then basically y'all just came. >> At any point, did you ever get in your vehicle and follow her? >> No. Not one time. And there's a right there. There's a Ring camera. They can they can confirm that. I never got in my vehicle. First of all, my battery is dead. >> I just went about a $24 battery today. You can see it right there on the camera. I never followed her. I never did anything to her. She circled around and she went to check to see if I was here. >> Do you have any um scratches or anything? >> I don't think so. Anyways, >> do you usually have rosacea like that or is that from the struggle? >> It's a struggle. >> Is it? >> Yeah. My I'm really >> You see your hands? You able to manipulate your hands in a way to where I can see the tops of your hands? >> They hurt a little bit though. >> Okay. Okay. You want to tell me what happened tonight between them two? >> Man, I didn't really get to physically see, but apparently she she got up on her. >> Who got up on who? She got up on her. >> That's That's what they saying. >> It was witnesses. >> I want to know what you >> I didn't see I didn't see it. I didn't see it. >> But that's that's what they said. Like, you know, like the people when I came over here, >> where are those people at now? Oh, they still here at the house. >> No, they gone. That's my, you know, vehicle right there. They left. Like, I guess once the [ __ ] happened, they didn't have nothing to do with it. Okay. So, you just didn't see what happened, but you came out. >> I just I just They came back. >> How did you get here? >> Uh, the girl that >> What's her name? >> Monique. Right. >> Okay. >> Yeah. And she brought you here. Yeah. >> To see your kids >> or to pick the kids up. >> Well, that's what my intentions were to pick the kids up. >> Go there. Okay. >> Huh? >> All right. You were here to get the kids. >> No. >> You went inside. >> Be quiet. >> You went inside and then she came out. >> Uh oh. Yeah. She just left. >> Did she ever leave in a vehicle? >> Did she ever leave in a vehicle? >> Yeah, so >> she did. >> Okay. You go out here. Whenever you went inside, >> did you ever hear them arguing? >> No, they didn't. She never. So, basically what I did is I told the girl to >> Hey, LT, give me one second. I'll call you right back. Okay. >> I'm sorry. >> No. >> Okay. >> I I told her to stay in a blind spot because I knew >> You told her to stay in a blind spot? >> Yes. I told her to stay in a blind spot and she just happened to spot her. >> That's just what I was told. >> Again, I never physically saw it. >> I just saw it. You you were told that she was supposed to stay in a blind spot or is that what you told her? >> So I told the girl Mo Monique. >> You told her >> I told her to stay in a blind spot. >> And >> And who is this? >> That's Kia. >> Kira. So Mo'Nique, you told her, "Make sure you stay in a blind spot." >> As far as an altercation occurring. >> Exactly. >> Or when the altercation broke out. >> No, I didn't want no altercation. I told her, I said, "Look, I'm coming here to get my kids." I knew >> you're coming here to get the kids. Stay hidden. >> Huh? >> You're coming here to get the kids. >> No, no. I wanted her to stay hit, but I knew how she >> I know how she >> So, I just totally When Mon'nique got here, were you with her when she came? >> I was with Mon'nique, but I got dropped off. So, I got dropped off and I bought >> Right. >> Okay. So at some point Monique comes, you tell Monique to kind of like we got the car. >> So listen, you tell Monique kind of, "Hey, stay in the blind spot. Don't let Kia see you." >> Exactly. >> Okay. Cuz you knew that Kia would probably attack her. >> Okay. >> That's what happened. >> And then you heard that through friends or whoever else had >> Did the kids see it? >> No, they didn't see it. I see. >> Okay. >> Yeah. You going in there and checking, man. I got you. It's just more trying to get the the facts straight and then what happens? Okay. >> So, at any point, >> so she left the residence here, Kia left in a vehicle >> and she followed Monnique >> and then you don't know what happened after that. >> She Okay. So, I can't do much, man. I can't. I ain't fighting no car. All right. Losing battle. >> Let me talk to you for a minute if you can, just so I can see if you see the bruises on them. >> All right. Hang on a second. >> Watch yourself. Do you have anything in your pockets? >> Nope. >> Nothing at all. >> Leggings. Check pockets. >> You don't have any pockets? >> I have the one right there. Oh, just one. There's nothing. Um, can you just tell him the keys are in the house >> for the for the car? >> Absolutely. >> Watch me. >> The legal threshold that matters most here is a single anatomical detail. Mon'nique described punching, scratching, and one hand placed around her neck. That last element is the dividing line between a misdemeanor and a felony. Under Texas Penal Code section 22.01, 01 subsection B paragraph 2. Assault is elevated to a thirdderee felony when the method involves impeding the normal breathing or circulation of blood by applying pressure to the throat and the victim is connected to the defendant through a family or dating relationship. When officers asked Mo'Nique directly whether she could breathe during the choking, she said she was hyperventilating and screaming but was never unable to breathe. That answer on its face undercuts the impairment element the statute requires. without proven impairment of breathing or circulation. The strangulation enhancement does not attach. The charge drops to class A misdemeanor assault family violence, which carries a maximum of one year in county jail and a $2,000 fine, not prison. Not a felony record. The dating relationship element is not automatically satisfied either. Mo'Nique is the companion of Ryan, who is Kiara's husband. Whether that indirect connection qualifies Mo'Nique as a protected party under the Texas Family Code is a question the prosecution must answer before pursuing the felony track. The vehicular pursuit adds a separate layer. Kiara allegedly spotted Mon'nique's car, gunned the engine, and tracked her down to a parked location around the corner. That conduct, deliberately locating and following a specific individual in a vehicle, could support a stalking charge under Texas Penal Code, section 42.072, which is independently a thirdderee felony. Stalking under that statute requires a course of conduct, meaning more than one act that the defendant knows or reasonably should know would cause fear of bodily injury. A single vehicular pursuit standing alone may not satisfy the pattern element. Prior incidents between these parties would be critical to that charge. Kiara herself disclosed a prior trespass from Ryan's apartment complex. She volunteered that detail to officers, apparently intending to frame herself as the agrieved party. Instead, it handed the prosecution exactly what they need. a documented prior incident between the same parties establishing a pattern. At the residence, officers knocked. They did not enter. When Ryan's associate initially denied Kiara was inside, the officer communicated that they already knew otherwise and gave the occupant the opportunity to produce her voluntarily. That approach was legally correct. Knocking on a door without a warrant is permissible under the plain view and not an announced doctrine. No Fourth Amendment issue here. Once Kiara appeared, officers placed her in an investigative detention. Terry versus Ohio authorizes brief detention based on reasonable articulable suspicion. An identified complainant with documented facial injuries naming a specific suspect satisfies that standard. The detention was lawful from the first second. Before questioning Kiara, the officer read a full Miranda warning. Miranda versus Arizona requires that advisement before custodial interrogation. Questioning that occurs when a reasonable person in the subject's position would not feel free to leave. Kiara was physically detained against a wall. pockets checked, directed to face the wall. The functional equivalent of arrest was already present. Miranda was the right call. The waiver, however, is where the officer stumbled. Kiara said, "Yeah," then qualified it, then said, "I trust you. It's fine." before eventually producing a direct yes. Under the standard the Supreme Court established in Burg versus Tomkins in 2010, a valid waiver must be voluntary, knowing, and intelligent. That exchange is not clean. Defense council has a viable argument. If a court finds the waiver ambiguous, every statement Kiara made after that point becomes suppressible. The admission that we had physical contact, she was hitting me, I was hitting her. The statement that establishes mutual combat and places Kiara at the scene goes with it. A sloppy waiver is not a minor procedural error. It is potentially case dispositive. Mutual combat, if established, does not eliminate criminal exposure. Texas law does not recognize mutual combat as a defense to assault. It may affect context, sentencing arguments, or prosecutorial discretion, but the elements of assault are satisfied regardless of who struck first as long as bodily injury resulted. Kiara receives a D. Tracking down a parked individual by vehicle in the early morning hours. Forcing open a car door and striking a seat belted occupant who could not escape that sequence is not an emotional reaction. It is a series of deliberate choices, each one escalating the danger. Seven people under the age of 18 were asleep in the home throughout. The officers receive a B+. The investigation was logically sequenced. They gathered the complainant's account before approaching the residence, administered Miranda proactively, and applied no unnecessary force. The deductions are the ambiguous waiver confirmation and one moment where an officer told Ryan's associate she did nothing wrong with an earshot of the investigation. Mo'Nique receives a B minus. Her account to officers was detailed, consistent, and corroborated by visible injury. The deduction is the decision to place herself parked, engine off, isolated at a location connected to an anticipated confrontation following a specific instruction from Ryan to stay hidden. She was cooperative. The placement was not. First lesson, a parked vehicle with the engine off is not a position of safety. Once the attacker found Mon'nique's car and she could not start the engine, she had no exit. The decision to park and wait in a location both parties knew was dangerous made the attack easier, not harder. Second lesson, telling someone to hide in a blind spot becomes part of the police report. Ryan instructed Mo'Nique to park where Kiara would not see her. That instruction told investigating officers that both parties anticipated a violent reaction and proceeded anyway. That conversation now belongs to the case file. Third lesson. When Miranda writes are read and an officer asks whether you wish to speak, the only safe answer is a clear no. Not, yeah, I trust you. Not, I mean, I'm good. Anything short of an unambiguous no hands, the officer, everything that follows, the rights exist precisely for that moment. Let us know if there is an interaction or legal topic you would like us to cover in the comments below. Thank you for watching and don't forget to check out our channel for more police interaction and courtroom content.