Man Captured, Child Safe In Northampton Custody Case

NORTHAMPTON, PA — A Northampton man is under arrest and his child was being reunited with its mother on Thursday after police announced they were searching for the man, who had refused a court order to turn over the child.

Earlier Thursday, police had asked for the public's help in finding Chad David Batterman, 36. On Wednesday, police met with Batterman attempting to enforce an emergency custody order signed by a Philadelphia County judge.

Batterman, at that time, refused to turn over the minor child to officers, they said.

Later Thursday, Northampton Police Chief Michael Clark said, the child was turned over to police by Batterman's mother. Batterman was arraigned Thursday afternoon and released on a $25,000 bail, according to Clark.

Clark said Batterman also is awaiting a hearing on charges of simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct filed against him in October.

Photo courtesy Northampton Township Police Department