A Lyons man is facing a misdemeanor domestic battery charge after police say he assaulted his teenage child during an altercation at a residence in Greene County.

Rich A. Wilkes, 43, was arrested July 21 after a warrant was issued for his arrest on July 17. The charge stems from a June 29 incident in which Wilkes allegedly attacked his child at a residence on County Road 1300 East in Linton.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed in Greene Superior Court, Indiana State Police Trooper Samuel R. Gillespie received three separate reports of alleged child abuse or neglect from medical staff at Deaconess Hospital in Newburgh on July 1. The reports documented injuries to the teen, including abrasions on the neck, road rash on the left shoulder blade and a foot injury that prevented the teen from bearing weight.

During an interview with police, the teen said they had been at a friend’s home, where Wilkes was drinking beer with another adult. The teen told investigators that Wilkes, who is court-ordered to use an ignition interlock device due to a 2024 conviction for operating while intoxicated, asked the teen to drive his truck home.

An argument reportedly broke out when the teen refused, escalating into a physical confrontation in the driveway. According to the affidavit, the teen said Wilkes put his hands around their neck, pushed them to the gravel driveway and held them down by the arms for approximately five to 10 seconds before walking away to inform others about the incident.

Witnesses reportedly came outside to separate the two and de-escalate the situation.

Following his arrest, Wilkes was booked into the Greene County Jail. His bond was set at $4,000 surety with 10% cash allowed. He was released after posting $400.

An initial hearing was held July 22.