A voter registration deputy has been jailed for attacking a reporter for the Star Press in Muncie on Wednesday, the newspaper reported.

Will D. Statom, 56, was arrested on preliminary charges of battery, a misdemeanor, for attacking the Star Press’ Will Werner after a Delaware County Election Board meeting.

Werner, 27, said Statom made a sarcastic remark about his reporting, at which time Werner told him to “shut up.” Witnesses said Statom shoved Werner into a wall. Barry Welsh, Democratic candidate for the 6th District congressional seat, said he was hit by Statom while trying to break up the fight.

The incident occurred outside the commissioners’ courtroom at the Delaware County building.