Ruston man accused of putting child in choke hold, injuring two others

RUSTON, La. (KNOE) - The Ruston Police Department arrested a man who is accused of choking a child and injuring two others.

RPD arrested Japhus Briggs, 58, on Sept. 27, on three counts of cruelty to juveniles, two counts of resisting an officer, and one count of battery on a police officer.

According to RPD, Briggs is accused of putting a child in a choke hold before a bystander intervened and restrained him until law enforcement arrived.

“The Ruston Police Department commends the courageous actions of the bystander who intervened, likely preventing further harm to the child before officers arrived,” RPD posted on Facebook.

RPD said Briggs resisted arrest and tried to bite an officer.

According to RPD, two other victims were injured during the incident.