College football has a way of bringing folks together, but sometimes things go sideways. That’s exactly what happened on New Year’s Eve in Williams, Indiana, when what started as a regular discussion about NCAA brackets and the Indiana University football game turned ugly. Jeremy Michael Faris, 38, was arrested after allegedly attacking his father during a heated argument. The fight broke out at a home on Twin Ponds Road, leaving people wondering how a simple sports talk can spiral out of control so fast.
The Incident: A Night of Celebration Turns Violent
December 31 should’ve been a night to celebrate, but for one Williams family, it went south in a hurry. The probable cause affidavit from Captain Harrison Fleetwood says the trouble started around 10:00 p.m. Jeremy Faris and his father got into it in the garage, arguing over college football brackets and the Indiana University game. It’s the kind of debate you’d expect to fizzle out, but not this time.
The Role of Alcohol and Miscommunication
Alcohol played its part, too—Faris was reportedly drunk. The woman who called 911 said the victim was speaking loudly, but only because of her hearing aid. Even after the victim apologized for raising his voice, Faris just got angrier. That’s when things took a turn for the worse.
Details of the Altercation
The fight ramped up fast. The victim said Faris pushed and slapped him, chased him upstairs, then shoved him down, kicked him, and punched him in the nose in the kitchen. When police showed up, they found the victim with a knot on his head, a bloody nose, and marks around his neck. Not exactly how anyone wants to ring in the new year.
Law Enforcement Response
Even though the victim didn’t want to press charges, Indiana law left the officers no choice. The physical evidence meant they had to arrest Faris. Captain Fleetwood, Sergeant Whitney Daugherty, and Sheriff Greg Day explained this to the family. Faris admitted things got physical, but he didn’t say much else. Officers saw blood on the back of his shirt, but he didn’t have any noticeable injuries himself.
Legal Implications and Family Dynamics
Domestic disputes are never simple, and the law in Indiana is clear—visible injuries mean someone’s going to jail, even if the victim objects. It’s meant to protect people, but it can make things even tougher for families already under stress. It’s a tough spot, honestly, and makes you wonder how many other families have been there, wishing things had gone differently.
The Impact of Sports-Related Disputes
Sports can bring out the best and the worst in us. Add alcohol and a misunderstanding, and you’ve got a recipe for trouble. This whole ordeal is a reminder to keep things in check when tensions start rising over something as trivial as a game. It’s surprising how quickly a small disagreement can blow up, leaving everyone with regrets.
Conclusion: A Call for Responsible Behavior
The New Year’s Eve incident in Williams really highlights what can go wrong when sports disputes get out of hand. It’s a pretty clear sign that we need to think twice about how we act and speak, especially when emotions are running high.
Fans of college football—and honestly, any sport—should try to keep things respectful. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, but our words and actions can hit harder than we realize.
If you’re interested in the full story, you can read more on the WBIW website.
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