An Altha man is behind bars at the Calhoun County Jail after a series of incidents Sunday.
Brendan McCardle, 25, has been charged with aggravated battery on a person 65 or older, battery on a law enforcement officer and assault.
According to the Altha Police Department, Chief Jimmy Baggett responded to the Southern Express in Altha around 12:45 p.m. A store clerk told him McCardle entered the business and asked to use the store phone. She allowed him to make a call, but he then began using profane language and being disorderly in the store. The clerk told him to give her the phone and leave the premises. McCardle began cursing the clerk, then walked out of the business with the phone. The clerk followed McCardle and told him to bring back the phone. McCardle went to the business door and threatened to assault the clerk.
About 25 minutes later, a call came in from the owner of the Altha Diner who reported McCardle was causing a disturbance in the restaurant that was filled with customers trying to enjoy Sunday dinner. McCardle approached a waitress about placing an order and she asked if he had money or would need to call a relative to put the food on his tab. McCardle was allowed to use the phone to get permission to charge the meal. However, he stayed on the phone longer than necessary and the owner asked him not to continue tying up the business line. McCardle reportedly became enraged and disorderly, disturbing diner guests. He then cursed and physically threatened the owner, as well as his family. The owner ordered McCardle to leave the diner. As he walked out the front door, McCardle began removing his shirt and telling the owner to “come on around back and we will settle this matter.” McCardle then allegedly grabbed the owner, who is 70 years old, by his shoulder. McCardle then took off his belt with such force it sent a large belt buckle flying down the sidewalk. He then folded the belt and began wielding it like a weapon.
Chief Baggett took McCardle into custody and brought him to the Altha Police Department for processing. Altha Police Officer Jason Dunn and Deputy Colby Beck were assisting Chief Baggett when McCardle began to resist. After Ofc. Dunn put handcuffs on him, McCardle reportedly snatched away and lunged at Ofc. Dunn, striking him with his shoulder in Dunn’s chest, causing him to take two steps back in order to maintain his balance. McCardle was taken to the ground and placed in leg restraints.
Bond was initially set at $12,500, however, McCardle is now being held without bond due to violating his probation.
