(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha man is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after police say he attacked his live-in girlfriend during a confrontation outside a neighborhood tavern, then attempted to prevent her from calling 911.
Harold L. Garza, 53, was charged Monday in Kenosha County Circuit Court with felony intimidation of a victim, battery (domestic abuse), and disorderly conduct (domestic abuse). Court Commissioner William Michel II ordered a $5,000 cash bail. A preliminary hearing is set for July 8.
According to the criminal complaint, officers responded to Dolls Tavern on Roosevelt Road on Monday evening for a report of a domestic assault in progress. The victim told police she had confronted Garza at the bar after he took her house keys and left their shared residence following an argument. She had asked him not to go out drinking because she had to work early the next day.
The woman said Garza initially gave back her keys but became enraged when she threatened to contact his employer about suspected drug use. She reported that Garza chased her through the parking lot, grabbed her by the waist as she tried to get into her vehicle, and pulled her back while slamming her face into the steering wheel. She told police she feared he could have broken her neck.
She managed to call 911 during the struggle, but Garza allegedly grabbed her phone and threw it across the parking lot before retreating into the bar. Officers arrived minutes later and found Garza in a nearby alley. They described him as heavily intoxicated, uncooperative, and verbally abusive toward both police and the victim.
According to the report, Garza yelled profanities and pointed aggressively at the victim while officers attempted to interview her. He denied attacking her and claimed she had struck him for no reason.
If convicted on all charges, Garza faces up to 10 years in prison and $36,000 in fines.
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One Response
What a lowlife. I hope this woman gets smart and leaves this abuser!