By Joe Bachman

A Wisconsin Rapids man faces charges of intimidation, battery, and a slew of others after police say he attacked a family member during a domestic dispute.

Seth Cornwell, 25, is charged with intimidation of a victim, battery, disorderly conduct, two counts of criminal damage to property, theft, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to police documents, on July 27, an officer was dispatched to a residence on the 300 block of Birch St. for reports of a domestic disturbance. The complainant told police that Cornwell asked her for money. When she responded that she didn’t have any, this allegedly sent Cornwell into a “rage” and he started going through her purse and demanded money.

After being told to leave, Cornwell refused, and responded by pushing her onto a bed and kicking her in the back where she had a prior injury. As she tried to get away, Cornwell allegedly grabbed a utility knife and held it over her, threatening to kill her.

After the complaint and a friend staying with her at the time got Cornwell out of the house, he would come back soon after the smash in a plexiglass door and started attacking her again. The complainant tried locking herself in the bedroom, but Cornwell kicked through the door and caused enough damage to the point where he could stick his head through.

The friend with the complainant at the scene told police that Cornwell also grabbed her phone and threw it across the room, smashing it, in fear that they would call the police. The officer observed a swollen left eye, a red mark on her triceps in shape of a hand print, bruising and discoloration on her left knee and ankle, and a large bump on the complainant’s head.

At the end, Cornwell allegedly took out a razor blade and cut into his own arm. He also took off with an antique clock from the residence.

Police made contact with Cornwell, who stated that he went over to the residence to “help pay some bills.” He said the complainant pushed him out of the kitchen after she grabbed a knife. Cornwell stated that the cuts on his arm came from himself. Soon after, Cornwell changed his story and told police that came over that day to “purchase something illegal”.

After a search of his vehicle, police found three syringes, a pipe with a white residue and prescription pills.

If convicted, Cornwell faces up to 10 years imprisonment and up to $25,000 in fines, as well as additional time for six misdemeanors. His pre-trial conference is scheduled for Aug. 19.