A heated argument between a father and son spilled over into school grounds this week, leading to a child protective services (CPS) investigation and temporary changes in where the child will stay.
Deputies were dispatched for a well-being check after reports that a juvenile may have been assaulted by his father. When officers arrived, both parents admitted there had been an altercation and gave written statements.
According to the father, tensions started earlier in the day when the boy damaged his mother’s car and failed to apologize. Later, on the way to a football game, the boy laid his head on the center console, and when told to sit up, he responded with what the parents described as a bad attitude. At the school, the boy slammed a car door and continued arguing. The father admitted that he “lost his cool” and grabbed the boy by the neck before quickly apologizing.
The mother confirmed that version of events, telling deputies she got between them to stop the situation. She said the father told the boy he was sorry and insisted he didn’t want to hurt him.
The boy told a slightly different story. He said the door slam was accidental and that the father began yelling at him. He admitted telling his father, “I’m tired of being your son,” before claiming he was grabbed around the neck hard enough to leave a mark. He said he pushed his father away and went to band practice, where he told his instructor what happened. Deputies photographed a small red mark on the boy’s neck as evidence.
No arrests were made because CPS was already involved in the case. Authorities arranged for the boy to stay with friends and relatives for the next week while the investigation continues. Deputies confirmed that affidavits and photographs will be provided to prosecutors in case charges are later filed.
The case highlights how quickly everyday family arguments can turn physical — and how often schools and CPS become the first line of protection when tensions at home boil over.
