Fred Bernard Lydon, 64, of Greenfield, was charged Nov. 12 with child endangerment.

According to an Adair County Sheriff report, Joseph and Sara Maxwell reported to police they left their 5-year-old child in the care of the maternal grandfather for two hours on Oct. 25. When they returned home, the minor child reported he was assaulted by Lydon. Officers observed physical markings on the child’s face, neck and head consistent with the report. DHS was notified.

On Nov. 12, Lydon was interviewed by officers and DHS. Lydon stated he grabbed the child around the neck and knocked his head into the wall 3 to 4 times and that it was not appropriate discipline. DHS reports confirm the level of force used indicated Lydon would have reasonable knowledge these acts would cause injury.