By Jacob Mathias

A Wisconsin Rapids man was arrested for battery after allegedly knocking a man unconscious earlier this month.

Michael Sharer, 34, has pleaded not guilty to charges of battery, a class A misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of nine months imprisonment, or a $10,000 fine or both after a physical altercation on August 1.

According to court documents, on the night of August 1 Wisconsin Rapids police officers were dispatched to the Four Stools Bar on the 100 block of 2nd St. N. When they arrived they encountered a male subject who was on the ground, having been knocked unconscious during a physical altercation with Sharer.

Police found Sharer and questioned him. He told police that the victim was talking to bad to him and they had stepped outside where the victim had taken a swing at Sharer. Sharer said he returned the punch and knocked the victim out.

Officers spoke with the victim’s daughter who said Sharer had been in the bar and called another woman a “c***.” The victim told him to stop talking that way. When they went outside, Sharer reportedly punched him out of nowhere. The victim confirmed his daughter’s story.

On August 2, Sharer was released from custody on a $1,000 signature bond with the provision he make no contact with the victim.

Sharer pleaded not guilty to the charge on August 24 at his initial appearance in court. He returns to Branch 3 of Wood County Circuit Court on September 25 at 9:00 AM for a pre-trial conference.