Step-Dad, Step-Son Fight Over Computer

SEBRING A Sebring man was free Friday on $3,000 bail, while his step-son remained in Highlands County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bond, after a verbal argument over the use of a home computer got out of hand and turned violent, according to Sebring police.
The 36-year-old step-dad was charged with domestic violence related battery, a misdemeanor.
Marcus Wayne Devries, 18, was charged with third-degree felony battery or domestic violence battery by strangulation.
Police reported they were called at about 11:55 p.m. Wednesday in reference to a domestic violence fight in progress.
When office Mike Cutolo arrived on scene, he spotted Devries walking on Sunset Drive.
He told Cutolo that he had left his house and his step-father, stating the pair got into a fight after Devries wanted to use the computer and his step-dad told him he didn't want anyone using his computer.
He claimed his step-dad socked him with a left fist to the forehead. He reportedly told Cutolo he reacted by jumping on his step-dad punching him in the chest and face. It was then he also reportedly choked his step-father.
He said they broke themselves up and he left the house. Devries had small abrasions on both hands and knuckles and a red spot on his head, Cutolo noted.
The step-dad was outside of the house when police arrived. He told police he has a computer in his room and does not let any of the children use it. He reportedly admitted "he stood up and 'dotted' Marcus in the head," the report stated.
He said Devries choked him until he could not breathe. They eventually stopped fighting, he told police, and Devries left.
Joe Seelig can be reached at (863) 386-5834 or jseelig@highlandstoday.com.