A father in Indiana was arrested after he allegedly bit multiple kids at his child’s birthday party because they apparently wouldn’t give him the ball while they played a game of basketball.
Thomas Russell has been charged with three counts of battery with injury to a person under 14 years of age, according to Washington Circuit Court records viewed by Us.
Following his arrest, Russell, 39, is currently being held in custody on a $30,000 full cash bond.
The incident took place on Saturday, November 7, when Russell was reportedly hosting a birthday party for his child at Delaney Creek Park in Washington County, Indiana. Several children attended the party, for which Russell rented a cabin.
Russell allegedly told the kids that “biting is allowed” while the partygoers participated in a game of basketball, according to an arrest citation obtained by WHAS. He then allegedly bit two children as they played the game.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation into the matter after a mother reported that she found a large bite mark on her 9-year-old son, who attended the party.
Meanwhile, a man said that his 10-year-old son had also been bitten during the incident. The 10-year-old claimed that Russell bit him on the wrist.
It’s not currently clear what caused Russell to allegedly bite the children.
The allegations continued, as another 9-year-old boy told authorities that he and Russell began to “leg wrestle” at the cabin during the party. He then claimed that the seemingly playful moment escalated when Russell punched him in the groin.
Russell later spoke to authorities, who reportedly admitted that he had been playing basketball with the children. However, he denied that he had bitten any child or punched the other child in the groin.
Despite his claims, multiple partygoers told authorities that they witnessed Russell’s alleged violence toward the kids.
Following an investigation, Russell was arrested and booked into jail. He attended his initial hearing on Tuesday, November 10, and is scheduled to return to court on December 10.
It’s not currently clear whether Russell has entered a plea or retained legal counsel following his arrest. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to Us’ request for comment regarding updates in the case.
If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
