Tomah Journal - Printable Version

Story originally printed in the Tomah Journal or online at www.tomahjournal.com

Published - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Charges pending for Tomah man in altercation at ex-wife's home

A Tomah man will face charges for attacking a man inside his ex-wife’s home on April 26.

The Tomah Police Department was dispatched to a physical altercation in progress at the home of Wendy Skinner around 9:40 a.m. Officer Steven Keller reported to the scene with officer Paul Sloan. Upon their arrival, Craig Bieri, 38, exited the residence with blood covering his face. He told officers that David Skinner had entered the house and attacked him before leaving in a black Ford Ranger truck. Lt. Mark Nicholson responded to the area to look for Skinner. The vehicle was located on the south side city limits on Highway 131.

Bieri’s right eye was swollen, and he was unable to write a statement on scene. According to the police report, Bieri and Wendy Skinner both informed the police that they heard banging and yelling before David Skinner entered through the back door. They said that he had a green wooden club. Bieri said that he told Skinner to put the object down and they will fight. Skinner left, but later returned and struck Bieri in the face with a closed fist. Wendy Skinner said that the fight lasted four to five minutes.

David Skinner, 43, was apprehended and placed in handcuffs. He was initially told that he was not under arrest, but was later placed under arrest when Nicholson was informed that there was enough evidence to do so. According to the police report, Skinner admitted the attack and said that he felt he should have “beaten him more.” Skinner told police that he has known Bieri for about two years, and that they used to be friends. He said that he noticed Bieri’s car in Wendy Skinner’s driveway that morning.