MUNCIE, IN – A father in Muncie is facing serious legal charges after allegedly becoming physically aggressive with his intellectually disabled son, who misplaced his glasses. Claude Davis Sr., 47, was apprehended on Friday, charged with felony battery targeted at a person with a mental or physical disability, according to court filings.
The situation came to the authorities’ attention when local police were called to the Muncie Career Center on January 31. They were informed by a staff advisor that 20-year-old Claude Davis Jr. had reported being hit several times by his father earlier that day for failing to find his glasses.
The advisor further confirmed that Claude Jr. has a moderate intellectual disability, significantly affecting his literacy skills, as noted in the police documentation.
According to the affidavit, the altercation started after Claude Jr. couldn’t locate his glasses. Claude Jr. described his father’s anger leading to a physical confrontation, during which his father punched a wall before slapping him twice on each side of the head. Although no bruising or external injuries were visible—apart from Claude Jr.’s naturally red face—he mentioned experiencing ongoing pain in his head.
Police officers attempted to make contact with Davis Sr. at his home the same morning, only to find no one answering. Suspecting his eventual return for his son, they later approached him during a traffic stop for further questioning about the events that transpired.
When questioned, Davis Sr. admitted to confiscating his son’s phone and keys, expressing frustration over the lost eyewear, but denied any physical harm. He did acknowledge punching a wall, conceding to struggles with anger management.
Despite his denial of any physical abuse, officers detained Davis Sr. He reportedly suggested on the way to jail that he believes household issues should remain private, alluding to it with the phrase, “what happens in my house, stays in my house.”
Davis Sr. has since been released on a $5,000 bond. Details surrounding his initial court appearance have not been disclosed.