A California father, Chapman Hamborg, was mistaken for a homeless man while out on a walk with his baby, leading a concerned neighbor to call the police on him. Hamborg, 33, was simply giving his wife a break by taking his daughter Florence for a stroll in their neighborhood in Huntington Beach, as he had done many times before.
Despite his casual attire of a baggy brown jacket, stained jeans, and tattered slippers, a neighbor mistook him for a homeless man and reported him to the authorities. The police arrived at Hamborg’s home and questioned him about his walk, thinking he had possibly kidnapped the baby.
After confirming his identity as the father with his wife’s help, Hamborg found humor in the situation and shared the incident on social media. The video went viral, garnering over 50 million views and sparking a conversation about appearances and stereotypes.
While some criticized his unkempt look, Hamborg used the attention to raise awareness about homelessness. He collaborated with a nonprofit organization to sell prints of his painting, “Unseen Path,” and donated a portion of the proceeds to support efforts to end homelessness.
Despite the misunderstanding, Hamborg expressed a desire to connect with the neighbor who called the police and turn the incident into a positive opportunity for community engagement. He emphasized the importance of looking out for one another and working together to make a difference.
