Barker checked a frequent problem area at 3027 NE Jacksonville Road when he heard what appeared to be a physical altercation taking place.
According to reports, Deputy Barker observed Joseph Politsch, 23, exiting a garage bay and screaming at another male. Deputy Barker made contact with Politsch and separated him from the other two males who were in the garage.
Deputy Barker then made contact with the other two males, Politsch’s father, and one eyewitness.
The eyewitness told Deputy Barker that the father had told Politsch to go to bed because he had to work the next morning.
The witness said that was when a verbal argument started over some chicken that was in the refrigerator.
During the argument, Politsch suddenly attacked his father. Politsch punched his father in the mouth, which caused him to fall.
According to the witness, Politsch then picked up a knife and started swinging it in the direction of his father in an attempt to cut him. The witness stated he then separated the father and son.
Deputy Barker questioned the father, and according to Deputy Barker, the statements of the witness and the father matched.
According to reports, Politsch advised that he and his dad began fighting over some chicken that was left in the refrigerator. However, Politsch claimed that his father was the one who threw the first punch. Politsch told the deputy that he only pushed his dad out of self-defense.
Politsch then advised Deputy Barker that if he did not take him [Politsch] to jail; he was going to kill his father, the eyewitness, and then himself.
Politsch was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail without incident.
The father and eyewitness refused to provide a written statement of the incident.
Deputy Barker stated he was unable to locate the knife used in the assault.
Politsch was also arrested for two felony warrants out of Marion County. In 2012, Politsch was arrested twice for battery.