KENOSHA, Wis. – A Beach Park man is facing felony charges after prosecutors say he violently assaulted a woman inside her Kenosha home over the course of a night and refused to let her leave.

Michael M. Smith, 41, was charged Tuesday with five counts, including felony false imprisonment and substantial battery. According to the criminal complaint, Smith allegedly beat the victim—identified only by her initials—causing extensive bruising, swelling, and a fracture near her left eye.

Officers responded to the woman’s home on 75th Street on July 21 after her mother reported that she had black eyes, facial bruises, and a swollen jaw. The woman reportedly ran barefoot across the street to her mother’s home after escaping the apartment.

She told police that Smith, her ex-boyfriend, came over uninvited the night before, accused her of ignoring his calls, and became increasingly aggressive. At one point, she said he forced her to hit herself until her nose bled, punched her repeatedly, dragged her by her hair, slammed her into a headboard, and poured vodka on her face.

The victim also stated she blacked out after Smith placed his hands around her neck. Officers documented extensive injuries, including facial bruising, swelling, and a blowout fracture confirmed by hospital staff.

When questioned by police, Smith claimed he was acting in self-defense and told officers he was “getting arrested for hitting a bitch back,” the complaint states. He reportedly admitted to “backhanding” the woman but denied punching her directly.

Smith appeared in court Tuesday afternoon, where Court Commissioner William Michel II set cash bail at $15,000. He remains in custody at the Kenosha County Jail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 29.

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