While on the ground visibly distraught and shaking, the man attempted to offer an explanation. “I fell,” he said. But they did not hear him. Nor did they hear the onlookers, whom they demanded to “stand back,” as they attempted to explain to officers that this must be some sort of misunderstanding. That this man is known in their community. That he is a gentle guy, always kind, always smiling. That he is often seen at the local Meijer grocery store cheerfully greeting customers. That he lives with his elderly mother.

In fact, it was not until his panicked mother arrived on the scene frantically screaming, “He’s autistic!” that the officers finally heard anything beyond what they had already made up in their minds was happening. Only then did the facts of the situation come to light. The man was on his way to his day program when he tripped and fell down outside. He dirtied his clothing a bit so decided to return to his apartment to change. He knocked at the door for his mother to let him in, only to realize too late that, in his haste, he actually was knocking at the wrong door. A perfectly plausible explanation. A simple misunderstanding. But one that could’ve easily ended with his name becoming the latest social media hashtag.