Father Speaks Out About Abuse Against Son At Juvenile Facility

ANDERSON, Ind. -- The father of a boy who was seen on a surveillance tape being abused by a correctional officer is expressing outrage Friday following 6News' original report Thursday.

Surveillance cameras caught Lt. Charles Patton dumping Torrey Pursifull, 15, on his head onto a concrete slab and walking away at Pendleton Juvenile Correctional Facility.

Patton is charged with battery and official misconduct. Pursifull's father, Rick Pursifull, said he wants the public to know who his son is and what he had to endure, 6News' Derrik Thomas reported.

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"I would never imagine anyone taking anyone's child, having them shackled with their hands behind their back, and to do something like that. You wouldn't treat an animal like that," Rick Pursifull said. "You wouldn't treat a dog like that. Why would you do it to a child?"

Patton has been suspended, and an internal investigation is under way.

"This … is obviously very unfortunate and will not be tolerated. But, it is not a reflection of corrections officials in this organization," said Department of Corrections Commissioner J. David Donahue.

Pursifull has hired an attorney to pursue a possible civil lawsuit.

"It's no wonder that these kids get out and get back on the street and are meaner than when they went in," said attorney David Steward. "Look at how they are treated when they are in these facilities."

Torrey was allegedly placed in the time-out room for getting into a fight with other offenders on Jan. 29. He suffered four cracked teeth and a fractured chin in the incident.

"I want Torrey out of there. I don't feel safe for him in there. The guards might retaliate," Pursifull said. "They have Torrey in isolation and I'm sure he feels like he is being punished."

Patton is free on $10,000 bond.