An Indiana man has been arrested for allegedly hitting his 20-year-old son, who has an intellectual disability, because he couldn’t find his glasses. Claude Davis Sr., 47, faces a felony charge of battery against a person with a mental or physical disability. He was arrested on Friday, after his son reported the incident to school staff.
The Muncie Police were called to Muncie Career Center around 8:30 a.m. after the son, Claude Davis Jr., shared with school staff that his father had hit him before school. Claude Jr. said that his father slapped him several times in the head and face because he couldn’t find his glasses. The 20-year-old also said that his father became very angry, yelled at him, and even punched a hole in the wall.
When officers spoke to Claude Jr., he explained that his father took him to school but remained upset. On the way there, his dad reportedly grabbed him by the back of the head and pulled him toward him. Claude Jr. told police that his head still hurt from being slapped.
At the school, officers were shown paperwork confirming that Claude Jr. had been diagnosed with a moderate intellectual disability. The police then went to Davis Sr.’s home to ask him about the incident. When they knocked on the door, no one answered, so they waited nearby. Once Davis Sr. left the house to pick up his son from school, officers approached him.
Davis Sr. initially told the police he had taken his son’s phone and keys because he lost his glasses. He then admitted to having a temper but denied ever hitting his son. He did confirm punching a hole in the wall but continued to deny slapping or hurting Claude Jr. When asked why his son would say he was hit, Davis Sr. said they often argued.
Davis Sr. was arrested and taken to jail. During transport, he allegedly said, “What happens in my house, stays in my house.” While at the jail, he mentioned that Claude Jr.’s grandmother could take care of him. Police requested a social worker to check on Claude Jr. and his grandmother. Davis Sr. was later released after posting a $5,000 bond.
