Man charged with felony battery after allegedly injuring teen son
A local man was arrested Tuesday morning on felony and misdemeanor charges after allegedly injuring his 16-yearold son during a confrontation and chasing both his teen sons down the street.
John Jason Childs, 47, of 100 Drexel St., was taken into custody at his residence and charged with third-degree domestic battery, which is a felony punishable by up to six years in prison because Childs was previously convicted of a misdemeanor count of third-degree battery on Dec. 21, 2017, and sentenced to probation.
Childs was also charged with two counts of third-degree endangering the welfare of a minor and obstructing government operations, all misdemeanors. He pleaded not guilty to the charges Wednesday in Garland County District Court and is set for a felony review hearing on Oct. 19. A court order barring Childs from contact with the victims was issued and his bond was set at $20,000. As of Thursday afternoon, he remained in custody.
According to the probable cause affidavit, shortly after 11:30 a.m., Hot Springs police Officer William Stockwell responded to the Drexel Street residence regarding a disorderly man “actively throwing things at his children.”
Stockwell made contact with one alleged victim, 16, who stated his father, identified as Childs, had instructed his younger brother, 14, to clean up his room. Childs then went into the brother’s room and noticed it wasn’t picked up. He then reportedly became angry and “began throwing games and speakers around the house.”
The 16-year-old entered the room and told Childs to “calm down.” Childs then turned to the 16-year-old and put him in a “chokehold” around his neck. He managed to escape and both juveniles ran from the house.
While the juveniles were running through the fence in the driveway, Childs allegedly grabbed the gate and slammed it down on the 16-year-old’s arm, causing bruising and scratching. He allegedly continued to chase the boys down Drexel Street until a passerby stopped to ask what was going on.
Stockwell noted injuries to the 16-year-old’s arm consistent with his story. He made contact with Childs who “became aggressive towards officers.” He reportedly refused to provide any information and told officers to “figure it out and do your job.”
LifeNet reportedly responded to the scene and treated the 16-year-old’s injuries. A computer check revealed the previous conviction for battery, making a second offense a potential felony.