Suspect in custody after fight involving baseball bat

A disagreement over comments made on social media led to a fight with a baseball bat and the arrest of a local man Tuesday.

Columbus Police officers were sent to Marr Road and North National Road after the report of a fight at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.

They found a victim who told them he had been struck in the back of the legs with the baseball bat, said Lt. Matt Harris, Columbus Police Department spokesman.

The victim told police he was able to wrestle the bat away from the suspect before he was struck a second time, Harris said.

Witnesses said they saw John M. Pheral, 22, of 3117 17th St., run across National Road with a bat and hit the victim before fleeing to a residence in the 3100 block of 17th Street, Harris said.

Pheral was arrested on charges of battery with a deadly weapon, intimidation against a law enforcement officer, intimidation — threats to commit a forcible felony and disorderly conduct.

He was being held without bond in the Bartholomew County Jail, jail officials said.