Police Blotter

Newton Police Department

• A Newton juvenile was charged with serious assault Friday after witnesses told investigators that the 14-year-old struck a female victim in the mouth on Jan. 31. According to a police report, the 13-year-old victim required several stitches to her upper lip. The juvenile subject went to the police department to be formally charged following the 12:40 p.m. incident at Berg Middle School. She was released, and her case will be handled by juvenile authorities.

• A 10-year-old Newton male was charged with simple assault and disorderly conduct Feb. 1 after witnesses told police the youth pushed a female victim to the ground while waiting for the school bus in the 700 block of South Third Avenue East. According to a police report, the victim’s “wind was knocked out of her” during the incident. People close to the child told investigators that numerous concerns about the 10-year-old have been reported. The subject was released, and his case will be handled by juvenile authorities.

• Randy G. Dickerson Jr., 26, of Newton was arrested and charged with public intoxication at 11:53 p.m. Saturday after he was allegedly causing trouble in the alleyway behind the Speakeasy in downtown Newton. According to a police report, Dickerson was stumbling in the alley, smelled of alcohol, had slurred speech and bloodshot eyes during an investigation. A field breathalyzer indicated the subject had a blood alcohol content of .206, but police said he waived his right to a chemical test. Dickerson was transported to the Jasper County Jail.

• Thomas E. Gerhardt, 27, of Chicago, Ill., was arrested and charged with fifth-degree theft at 1:29 a.m. Friday after employees of the Newton 66 witnessed a man with his description leaving the store with a case of beer. According to a police report, witnesses also gave officers a description of Gerhardt’s vehicle, which was located at the America’s Best Inn and Suites. Police said the case of beer is valued at $22.59. Gerhardt was taken to the Jasper County Jail.

• Adrian M. Grant, 31, of Newton was arrested on charges of child endangerment Feb. 1 after his 9-year-old son told investigators that his father whipped him with a tree branch, causing bruising and bleeding to both legs. The Newton Police Department began its investigation at 9:10 p.m. Jan. 29, when the incidents at 609 N. Fourth Ave. E. were reported. Grant was summoned to the police department to receive his official charges and was transported to the Jasper County Jail. He is scheduled to have his initial appearance in district court at 9 a.m. Feb. 15.