Court documents state Atamvir Singh went to the residence where his 12-year-old son and his mother lived to cut his son's hair. The boy says his mother, who is separated from Singh, objected because cutting his hair is against their religious beliefs.
The boy told investigators that Singh forced him to the floor with his hand around his neck, and that Singh tried to cut his hair with clippers while holding the boy by his neck, making it difficult for him to breathe. He also said Singh struck him in the chest.
According to court documents, the mother went to get a neighbor and they returned to the residence. The neighbor says he heard a struggle taking place, kicked open the bathroom door and saw Singh holding the boy to the floor with the clippers in his other hand. He said he told Singh to let the boy go, but Singh allegedly refused. The boy was then able to break free.
Police say the mother is in fear for her life and has requested a protective order against Singh.
Singh, 43, is charged with injury to a child. No bond has been set.
