MOUNT VERNON — A 20-year-old Mt. Vernon man was arrested Monday after Mt. Vernon police responded to a call of public indecency in the parking lot of the Chesterfield Village Apartments.

According to Police Chief Trent Page, witnesses reported Grant French was naked and masturbating against a car in the parking lot. Upon their arrival, officers made contact with French and the witnesses, but French refused to speak and began walking away from them before ultimately running away.

Officers were ultimately able to apprehend Grant and take him into custody. Witnesses pointed officers to an apartment in the complex where they believed there had been a battery involving French before the incidents in the parking lot.

Officers made contact with a female in the apartment who confirmed to officers an incident involving French earlier and that he had choked her. Officers noted physical injuries on the woman consistent with being choked. They were also able to confirm damage in the apartment.

French was taken to the Jefferson County Jail on charges of aggravated battery causing great bodily harm, criminal damage to property, disorderly conduct, public indecency, and resisting arrest.