CLAREMONT, N.H. – On Feb. 13, at 3:41 p.m., the Hartford Police Department obtained an emergency custody order for two children who were in the custody of J’Kem Woodson, 49, of Claremont, N.H.
Officers initially attempted to locate Woodson and the children at a local hotel, but were unsuccessful. The Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF) contacted Woodson by phone to inform him of the court order and request a meeting. Woodson immediately disconnected the call and turned off his phone.
Based on Woodson’s actions and information contained in the affidavit supporting the emergency custody order, including prior allegations that Woodson had displayed a handgun and threatened the children’s mother, Hartford Police notified surrounding law enforcement agencies and requested community assistance in locating Woodson.
Officers subsequently obtained a cell phone location ping indicating Woodson was in Claremont, N.H. Within minutes, the Claremont Police Department located Woodson’s vehicle. An extraditable arrest warrant for custodial interference was issued by a Vermont Superior Court judge.
Claremont Police made contact at the residence, confirmed Woodson was inside, and instructed him to exit. Woodson complied and was taken into custody without incident. The children were located inside the residence, and were found safe and asleep.
The New Hampshire Division for Children, Youth, and Families responded to the scene and transferred custody of the children to a Vermont DCF employee.