Local Man Charged with Substantial Battery

By Joe Bachman

A 34-year-old man faces charges of battery after police say he punched a family member in the face.

Jeremiah Helke, of Wisconsin Rapids, is charged with substantial battery with intention to harm. According to police reports on July 9, an officer was dispatched to a residence on the 1000 block of Baker St. regarding a domestic disturbance.

According to the complainant, Helke had been drinking, and had been in a verbal altercation earlier in the day. Later that night, Helke became angry at the complainant after being awakened and was told that "We'll just talk when you are sober."

After that comment Helke allegedly punched her in the face. A struggled ensued, where Helke slammed her head against the floor multiple times. The complainant sustained multiple bruises on her head, an abrasion on her eyebrow, a chipped tooth, and her nose and lip were swollen.

If convicted, Helke faces up to three years and six months imprisonment and up to $10,000 in fines. He faces a jury on Oct. 6 and is currently out on a $2,000 bond.