(WWJ) A Northern Michigan man is facing a criminal charge for the bizarre and abusive way it's alleged that he disciplined his son.
Michigan State Police said the information came to light during an interview with the victim at the Child Advocacy Center in Traverse City last week.
The child told authorities that his biological father, 28-year-old Tyler Frederick Briegel of Traverse City, would discipline him by placing him in handcuffs, sticking his head in the toilet and flushing it.
Briegel was interviewed by investigators along with other members of the household, MSP said.
After a police report was submitted to the Grand Traverse County Prosecutor's Office for review, an arrest warrant was authorized on Monday. Briegel was then arrested during a traffic stop in Traverse City on Wednesday and lodged in the Grand Traverse County Jail.
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He was arraigned by video in 86th District Court in Grand Traverse County on Thursday on one count Second Degree Child Abuse, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison for a first offense.
Bond was set at $50,000, and Briegel's next court appearance was scheduled for Sept. 9.
The age of the child was not released.