Local

Dad caught on video grabbing teen by throat, punching him in face

SATELLITE BEACH, Fla. — Detectives in Satellite Beach released cellphone video of a father joining in on a fistfight between his teenage son and a 14-year-old boy.

Carl Nicks was arrested after police said he grabbed a teen by the throat and punched him twice in the face.

The two teenage boys were settling a score after school when one of the boy's fathers jumped in.

The 51-year-old, shirtless father, who stands at 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 240 pounds, was caught on camera grabbing the 14-year-old by the throat, slamming him on the ground, picking him back up, and then punching him twice in the face.

Police said Nicks was arrested Friday night after the victim's mother alerted police.

Satellite Beach police said the two teens originally met to fight Friday at the old Ramada Inn property on A-1-A after an ongoing dispute.

Police said Nicks and his wife went to watch and started by egging the boys on.

But when their son was losing the fight, Nicks began to throw his own weight around, police said.

Police Chief Jeff Pearson said, "It's just mind boggling there are still people in this world that take to violence to solve problems and don't even think twice about assaulting a juvenile."

Police said Nicks is facing felony child endangerment charges and could face prison time.

Pearson called the incident "stomach-turning."

"This is a 14-year-old kid and a grown man who's 6 (feet) 4 (inches), 240 (pounds). You don't solve problems that way," Pearson said.

He said Nicks' wife may be charged as well.