(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
SOMERS, Wis. – A 79-year-old Somers man accused of shoving his wife to the ground during an alcohol-fueled argument was charged Friday with felony battery to an elderly person and disorderly conduct.
(Kenosha County Sheriff)
Thomas Charles Pasquali faces up to six years in prison if convicted of the top charge, which stems from an August 21 incident at the couple’s home on 88th Avenue in Somers.
According to the criminal complaint, Pasquali’s wife called 911 shortly after 4 p.m. and reported that her husband was drunk and had pushed her to the floor. Deputies from the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office responded and found the woman upset but coherent. She told deputies that her husband had returned from a friend’s house intoxicated and began yelling at her, calling her “crazy” and a “bitch,” and saying she needed to be institutionalized.
The woman said she became frustrated and broke a plate on the kitchen floor. In response, she alleged, Pasquali rushed at her and forcefully shoved her using both hands on her left arm. The shove reportedly caused her to spin and fall, landing hard on her left hip. She said she experienced pain and did not give him permission to touch her.
Pasquali acknowledged the argument and said he raised his arm instinctively after his wife broke the plate and a piece hit his lip. He claimed his movement may have caused her to trip over a rug. A deputy noted the odor of alcohol on his breath.
Pasquali made his initial court appearance Friday, where both the alleged victim and the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office requested a signature bond. The victim told the court, “When he’s sober, he’s a wonderful man. When he’s drunk, he’s a mean drunk.” She said she hoped he would get sober.
Court Commissioner William Michel II granted the signature bond and ordered Pasquali to maintain complete sobriety as a condition of his release. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 4.
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