An Indiana man has been arrested and charged with domestic battery after allegedly attempting to wash a 7-year-old boy's mouth out with soap as punishment for using a profanity. The incident occurred in August while the man, identified as Daniel Schergen, 34, was driving with the child and others.
According to an affidavit reviewed by People, the boy became agitated during the car ride and began hitting another child. When Schergen attempted to intervene, the boy allegedly swore at him. Schergen then pulled the car over to a Dollar General, purchased a bar of soap, and attempted to force it into the child's mouth. The affidavit states that in the process, the soap accidentally struck the child's forehead.
The child sustained a bruise on his right ear and redness on the right side of his face, which Schergen attributed to the child holding his head against the car seat. Schergen's girlfriend reportedly provided first aid when the child began to bleed. When questioned by the LaPorte County Sheriff's Office, Schergen stated he was unsure how the child sustained the ear bruise. He also informed authorities that the boy had a history of temper issues and had been suspended from school for hitting other children.
Court records indicate Schergen was released on a $750 bond and is scheduled to return to court on January 6. His relationship to the child was not disclosed, and attorney information was not immediately available.