A Fort Worth Star-Telegram columnist will not be prosecuted for leaving his son at a Watauga McDonald’s restaurant, authorities announced Friday.

Dave Lieber, an award-winning columnist, got into an argument with his son on Aug. 13, then drove away as the 11-year tried to open the car door, Watauga police have said.

Mr. Lieber returned minutes later to get his son, but by then a witness had called police and authorities were interviewing the boy. Mr. Lieber told police he left because he needed to cool off, according to court records.

Mr. Lieber could not be reached for comment.

“Once we got the information from the Watauga Police Department and reviewed it all, we determined that the elements did not rise to a felony offense,” said Tarrant County prosecutor Betty Arvin.

The 51-year-old had been charged with child endangerment and abandonment. Mr. Lieber turned himself into the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department earlier this week and was released after posting a $4,000 bond.

Two days after the incident, Mr. Lieber wrote a column about what happened. He wrote that he and his son got into an argument when the boy wanted to leave before Mr. Lieber was ready. He sent the child to another table, but he wrote “my buttons were pushed.” Mr. Lieber described storming out of the restaurant and telling his son to walk the few blocks home. Moments later he returned.

The Star-Telegram suspended Mr. Lieber pending the outcome of the criminal case. With Friday’s announcement that Mr. Lieber will not face criminal charges, he has been reinstated.

On the Star-Telegram Web site, Executive Editor Jim Witt said, “We’re gratified that the situation was quickly resolved and Dave will resume writing the Watchdog column immediately.”