MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) — A man gave beer to his 1-year-old nephew, then punched his girlfriend in the face when she objected and stormed away in her SUV, court records said.

Richard H. Valens Jr., 44, of Muncie, was being held in Delaware County Jail under $17,500 bond Friday on charges of domestic battery, neglect of a dependent and auto theft. He could face six months to three years in prison on each count if convicted. A jail officer did not know whether Valens had an attorney.

According to court documents, Valens and his girlfriend argued when he allowed his nephew to drink beer on June 25. The woman told police Valens said the child could "handle it" because "he's a champ."

Valens allegedly hit the woman in the face and then drove away in her SUV, threatening to kill her and her daughter when he returned. When he returned, police had arrived.

A judge has scheduled Valens' trial for Nov. 17.

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Information from: The Star Press, http://www.thestarpress.com