(La Porte, IN) - A La Porte man had his initial court hearing Wednesday in connection with a former local official being injured during an attack.  Devin Barger is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with battery.

According to court documents, it’s alleged Barger was drunk and lying in the middle of Planett Street about six weeks ago.  It was five o’clock in the morning when a man walking his dog asked Barger if he was ok.

Barger got up and approached the man, who in self defense shoved him back a few times.  Police said Barger then punched the man on the side of his head and the man fell, striking his head on the pavement.  Barger allegedly punched him one more time and walked home.

Not feeling well a few days later, the victim, Terry Scherer, went to the hospital where he was diagnosed with a brain bleed, police said. 

Scherer is a former La Porte Police officer and former La Porte Police Chief for several years who also once served multiple terms on the La Porte City Council.

Barger could face an up to 30 month prison sentence.