By Scott Carlson-North Platte Post
NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-A North Platte man was arrested on charges stemming from an incident in March.
According to police, on March 21 at 9:40 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 4000 Block of Bretwood Court for a disturbance.
Police said upon arrival, officers learned that Matthew McCarthy, 43, was inside the residence causing a disturbance. It was reported that McCarthy became upset and had a long wooden handled tool with a metal end, in his possession.
Police said McCarthy was using the tool to cause damage to the floor of the residence and also swung it at the victim prior to officers arriving on the scene.
Police said officers made contact with McCarthy and placed him under arrest without further incident.
During the investigation, it was learned that several juveniles were inside the residence and witnessed the incident. Although unharmed physically, the juveniles were visibly upset by what they witnessed, according to police.
As a result, McCarthy was incarcerated at the Lincoln County Detention Center for terroristic threats, child abuse, and criminal mischief.
Police said on March 21, an investigation was opened with the Department of Health and Human Services.
According to police, during the investigation, hair follicle samples were obtained from the juvenile children which were in McCarthy's custody at the time of the incident. Lab testing confirmed that the juveniles had been exposed to methamphetamine.
Probable cause was established to arrest McCarthy and, after several attempts to locate him, he was taken into custody on May 19 for child abuse.
McCarthy was incarcerated at the Lincoln County Detention Center.