A 38-year-old Urbana man was arrested Friday evening after a disturbing incident that resulted in multiple misdemeanor charges.
Justin A. Byrd was taken into custody on Friday at approximately 6:44 p.m. and charged with the following:
- Disorderly Conduct
- Open Container of Alcohol in a Vehicle
- Assault
- Child Endangering
The charges come from an incident that happened at a house on East Ward Street — the home of Byrd’s ex-girlfriend. According to police, Byrd showed up at the house while his ex wasn’t home and took her 12-year-old son for a ride in his car.
While they were driving, Byrd was allegedly drinking alcohol and started giving the boy a talk about “how to be a man.” Things took a turn when Byrd began hitting and spitting on the child multiple times.
Police were called to the house and spoke with the child, his mom, and Byrd. During the investigation, they contacted Byrd’s probation officer, who ordered him to be taken into custody for violating his probation — on top of the new charges.
Byrd was taken to the Tri-County Regional Jail. Police also got a urine sample from him to test for drugs or alcohol.
The investigation is still ongoing.
