Local Man Arrested for Burglary, Battery, and Child Abuse
A Marion County man was arrested on Jan. 13, 2025, after allegedly forcing his way into a residence, assaulting another man, and endangering an infant during a physical altercation, according to a report from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Chad Decker was charged with burglary of a residence, simple battery, and child abuse following the incident. Deputies responded to the home after receiving a report of a past physical disturbance.
According to the report, a witness stated that Decker, who does not live at the residence, arrived uninvited on a motorcycle after being contacted by a resident who was upset over a verbal argument between her daughter and the daughter’s boyfriend earlier that day. The witness claimed she explicitly told Decker not to come over, but he arrived and entered the home without permission.
Decker allegedly confronted the boyfriend, who was holding a 9-month-old infant, and struck him in the face while the child was still in his arms. The boyfriend later told deputies he believed the child may have been inadvertently struck during the altercation. The baby was eventually taken from the boyfriend’s arms by another witness to ensure her safety.
The confrontation continued outside, with the two men reportedly rolling in a flower bed before the victim managed to separate himself and close the door. However, Decker allegedly forced the door open, damaging it, before eventually leaving on his motorcycle.
Deputies noted red marks on the victim’s face consistent with his statements and observed the front yard in disarray. The victim indicated his desire to press charges.
Decker was arrested based on statements from multiple witnesses and visible injuries observed at the scene. The charges include child abuse under Florida Statute 827.03, which defines the offense as an intentional act that could reasonably be expected to result in physical or mental injury to a child.
