By Joe Bachman

A 33-year-old man is charged with battery and strangulation after police say he attacked a and choked a family member.

Adam Kleifgen, of Nekoosa, is charged with battery and strangulation, as well as repeat domestic abuse. According to police reports on Mar. 18, an officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Vilas St. in Nekoosa. The complainant lived with Kleifgen, and told the officer that on Mar. 17, he struck her on the side of the head after accusing her of flirting with other men.

Soon after, Kleifgen made further accusations and jumped on and straddled her and then wrapped both hands around her neck, choking her. The complainant was able to get free, at which point Kleifgen threw a pillow at her head and allegedly told her “If you ever leave me, I’ll gut you like a pig.”

The complainant told the officer that she was afraid to leave the residence due to Kleifgen’s threats. Bruising on her forehead and red marks around her larynx were observed by police. She also informed police that Kleifgen had been drinking whiskey that night straight from the bottle.

On Aug. 20, 2015, Kleifgen was charged with battery, false imprisonment, and disorderly conduct, as well as being charged with his 3rd OWI on Feb. 4, 2016. He was out on bond and was to commit no further crimes.

If convicted, Kleifgen faces up to six years imprisonment and up to $10,000 in fines for charges of battery and strangulation, as well as additional felony charges for false imprisonment, bail jumping and battery. He made his initial appearance in court on Mar. 24, and further court dates are pending schedule.