KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man previously facing only misdemeanors is now charged with multiple felonies after police re-interviewed witnesses and reviewed video evidence tied to a domestic violence incident that left a woman bloodied and terrified.

Paid Advertisement

Nicholas E. Smith, 45, appeared in court Thursday and was charged with ten new offenses, including felony false imprisonment, felony victim intimidation, and felony failure to comply with an officer’s attempt to take him into custody. Additional charges include battery, disorderly conduct, and five counts of misdemeanor bail jumping. Kenosha County Court Commissioner William Michel II set Smith’s cash bail at $15,000. The earlier misdemeanor case against him has since been dismissed.

Paid Advertisement

During Thursday’s hearing, Kenosha County District Attorney Xavier Solis told the court that Smith is “a danger to the community,” citing the severity of the allegations and Smith’s repeated violations of court orders, and asked for a $250,000 bail. Defense attorney Michelle Gardner asked for a $2,500 cash bail.

Paid Advertisement

The charges stem from an April 27 incident at the couple’s shared home on 80th Street. According to a criminal complaint, a woman — identified only by her initials — escaped the residence that morning without a shirt and with visible injuries, telling neighbors that Smith had assaulted her and that she feared for her life. Two neighbors, including one who called 911, told police the woman was covered in blood and crying for help.

Paid Advertisement

Officers responding to the scene said the woman had significant facial injuries and was visibly shaken. When police tried to detain Smith, he allegedly refused to leave the house, made suicidal comments, and eventually threw a knife toward officers before being taken into custody.

Paid Advertisement

The victim later told a Kenosha detective that Smith had assaulted her repeatedly over a span of hours, at one point placing his foot on her neck and threatening, “You’re going to die tonight.” She said she was only able to escape after Smith began to fall asleep and she ran for help. Police reviewed Ring doorbell footage that appeared to corroborate parts of her account, showing Smith physically restraining her and yelling as she fled.

Paid Advertisement

Smith was already out on bail in two pending cases — both involving the same woman — and was ordered not to consume alcohol or engage in violence. The new charges include five counts of bail jumping for violating those terms. In one earlier case, a judge had recently modified the bond to allow contact, but warned Smith that any further incidents would not be tolerated.

Paid Advertisement

Smith is due back in court for a preliminary hearing on May 8.

Paid Advertisement

.

.

.