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A 6-year-old girl quickly alerted others when she was in danger by using a “Lion’s Roar” inside an Ohio store.What happened?A 37-year-old man followed the girl and her mother into a Five Below store in South Lebanon, Ohio, just three days after being released from prison for a previous sex-related offense.Investigators say Robert Deweese followed the girl and her mother into a Five Below store in South Lebanon just three days after being released from prison for a previous sex-related offense.According to prosecutors, the girl’s mother briefly left her in a locked family restroom to get clean clothes after an accident, instructing her to only open the door after hearing a specific knock.Investigators say Deweese overheard that conversation, mimicked the knock, and entered the restroom, where he allegedly sexually assaulted the child.But deputies say the girl was able to scare him off by screaming – using a technique known as the “Lion’s Roar,” something she learned through Scouts.What is the “Lion’s Roar”?Scout leaders say the “Lion’s Roar” is part of a broader personal safety program designed to help children recognize danger and respond quickly.”It helps them develop the confidence to say no or to speak up when something feels wrong, building confidence, not fear,” said Tara Noem, a Tiger Cub Scout den leader with Pack 367.Noem says even the youngest Scouts are taught simple, actionable steps: “Yell, run away, and tell a trusted adult.””We actually practice that,” she said. “So they’re not doing it for the first time when something is happening.”The training also focuses on helping children understand boundaries and identify unsafe situations. Noem says the lessons aren’t just for kids; they’re meant to spark conversations with parents.”It can be a good way for families to open that dialogue and take something scary and turn it into something empowering. You have the ability to do this,” she said.Case backgroundDeweese was arrested about a mile away from the store shortly after the incident.Court records show his criminal history spans nearly two decades, including multiple sex offense convictions across several Ohio counties. A Warren County judge found Deweese competent to stand trial this week. A trial has been scheduled for August. Deweese faces multiple felony charges, including rape – the most serious charge he has ever faced.
A 6-year-old girl quickly alerted others when she was in danger by using a “Lion’s Roar” inside an Ohio store.
What happened?
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A 37-year-old man followed the girl and her mother into a Five Below store in South Lebanon, Ohio, just three days after being released from prison for a previous sex-related offense.
Investigators say Robert Deweese followed the girl and her mother into a Five Below store in South Lebanon just three days after being released from prison for a previous sex-related offense.
According to prosecutors, the girl’s mother briefly left her in a locked family restroom to get clean clothes after an accident, instructing her to only open the door after hearing a specific knock.
Investigators say Deweese overheard that conversation, mimicked the knock, and entered the restroom, where he allegedly sexually assaulted the child.
But deputies say the girl was able to scare him off by screaming – using a technique known as the “Lion’s Roar,” something she learned through Scouts.
What is the “Lion’s Roar”?
Scout leaders say the “Lion’s Roar” is part of a broader personal safety program designed to help children recognize danger and respond quickly.
“It helps them develop the confidence to say no or to speak up when something feels wrong, building confidence, not fear,” said Tara Noem, a Tiger Cub Scout den leader with Pack 367.
Noem says even the youngest Scouts are taught simple, actionable steps: “Yell, run away, and tell a trusted adult.”
“We actually practice that,” she said. “So they’re not doing it for the first time when something is happening.”
The training also focuses on helping children understand boundaries and identify unsafe situations.
Noem says the lessons aren’t just for kids; they’re meant to spark conversations with parents.
“It can be a good way for families to open that dialogue and take something scary and turn it into something empowering. You have the ability to do this,” she said.
Case background
Deweese was arrested about a mile away from the store shortly after the incident.
Court records show his criminal history spans nearly two decades, including multiple sex offense convictions across several Ohio counties.
A Warren County judge found Deweese competent to stand trial this week. A trial has been scheduled for August.
Deweese faces multiple felony charges, including rape – the most serious charge he has ever faced.
