CLEVELAND, Ga. — White County Sheriff’s Office arrested Richard Hansard, 32 of Sautee Sunday and charged him with two counts of battery and two counts of cruelty to children following an incident at his residence on Bean Creek Road in White County.

According to the incident report, Cassidy Hansard, 30, was cleaning house and listening to music when she and Richard became involved in a verbal argument. Cassidy Hansard stated that she walked outside to get away from the argument and Richard followed her oustide, took her cell phone away from her and threw her to the ground.

She further stated that Richard then left the home walking toward Bean Creek Road and their 7-year-old son followed to see where he was going. She alleges that Richard then struck his son in the back as she and her 11-year-old daughter watched.

She reported the incident to 9-1-1 and a White County deputy responded. The deputy reported he could see redness, swelling and a fingerprint mark on the child’s back and took a photograph.

Richard Hansard was taken to White County Detention Center where his bond has been set at $12,000.