In a tale that puts the “domestic” in domestic disturbance, a father-son spat over laundry day turned into an unexpected trip to the Marion County Jail for one family member.
Richard Smith, 67, told deputies that his live-in son, Shawn Smith, took their dirty laundry to a whole new level after a verbal tussle escalated. According to Richard, the disagreement began in the garage but quickly spilled into the dining room. When he threatened to dial 911, Shawn allegedly snatched the phone right out of his hand and gave him a shove that sent him tumbling to the floor.
Left without his phone—and perhaps his dignity—Richard had to flag down a passing UPS driver to call for help. Deputies arriving on the scene noted a suspiciously red elbow on Richard, which he insisted wasn’t his usual hue.
Shawn, however, painted a different picture. He claimed dear old dad was the one on the offensive, grabbing at his pants and igniting the scuffle. He admitted to taking the phone but said it was only because Richard had previously swiped his and he needed to call the pharmacy—because nothing says “family bonding” like mutual phone theft.
Deputies also spotted a spilled glass of water in the dining room, suggesting this fight might have really made a splash. As for Shawn’s alleged bruise from the altercation? Officers noted it looked more like yesterday’s news.
After a pit stop at Timber Ridge Hospital for a check-up, Shawn was booked into the Marion County Jail on charges of domestic battery on a person over 65 and witness tampering.
No word yet on whether the laundry got folded, but it’s safe to say this family’s dirty linen is now very much in the public eye.
