In a startling incident in Sacramento, California, a nine-months pregnant woman and her 8-year-old son were detained at gunpoint by police in what authorities now admit was a case of mistaken identity. The shocking incident occurred last Tuesday when Shanice Stewart was driving her son, Brandon, to football practice.

The Sacramento Police Department revealed that they were in pursuit of a juvenile suspect who had outstanding felony warrants, including one for gun possession. The officers initiated what they deemed a "high-risk" traffic stop, leading to the horrifying ordeal for Stewart and her young son.

When the patrol car lights flashed behind her, Stewart quickly pulled her car to the side of the freeway, expecting the officer to pass. However, several other law enforcement vehicles also stopped, resulting in the entire freeway coming to a halt. Stewart followed the officers' instructions by tossing her car keys out the window and slowly exiting the vehicle, while instructing her son to stay inside with his seat belt on.

"I got out of the car with hands up and back turned toward the officers," Stewart recounted. It wasn't until she faced the officers that they realized their mistake and signaled her to approach them. The police subsequently terminated the high-risk stop, acknowledging that the juvenile in the car was not the wanted suspect.

However, as the situation unfolded, Brandon swiftly exited the vehicle, tearfully pleading with the officers not to take his mom. Stewart attempted to reassure her son and requested that he stay put, but the officer assured her it was safe for him to join them.

It was later revealed that the police had mistaken Brandon for the suspect due to his hair texture and white shirt, characteristics shared with the juvenile they were seeking. Stewart found the explanation unsatisfactory, voicing concern over her son being identified by a helicopter team hovering above their apartment.

The day after the incident, a member of the police department reached out to Stewart to explain that their search targeted a juvenile suspect. However, the emotional toll on both mother and son was undeniable. The duo stood sobbing on the side of the freeway, with Brandon struggling to comprehend the situation. "They thought I was a suspect?" he asked his mother, leaving her deeply troubled. Stewart now fears her son's fear of traveling on the freeway, as encountering law enforcement officers triggers anxiety.

Seeking to address the trauma her son experienced, Stewart intends to pursue therapy for him. She also plans to file a complaint against the police department, expecting them to cover the costs of counseling for Brandon. The incident, including the actions taken by the police, is currently under review by the authorities.

This distressing case of mistaken identity has highlighted the need for police to exercise heightened caution and thoroughness in their operations. The incident serves as a wake-up call to reassess protocols, ensuring that innocent individuals are not subjected to such traumatic encounters in the future.