FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) — A northeastern Indiana sheriff charged in an altercation with a teenage boy could face a civil lawsuit from the youth’s family.

The Journal Gazette reports Brad and Erin Bullerman filed a tort claim in August against Allen County Sheriff David Gladieux, alleging unlawful and excessive force.

Tort claims are required filings before civil lawsuits can be filed.

Gladieux was charged Thursday with one count of misdemeanor battery for the July confrontation at Fort Wayne’s Three Rivers Festival.

The Bullermans’ filing says Gladieux pushed their 15-year-old son to the ground, injuring him, as he worked as a festival volunteer. It says the altercation occurred after Gladieux and another man walked toward portable restrooms that had been closed.

Gladieux has apologized but says he didn’t commit battery. His attorney declined comment Friday.