WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAU) – A Wausau man has been charged with substantial battery for punching another man in the face with brass knuckles during a fight at the Paradox Bar.
A judge released Ronmel Ferguson on a $10,000 signature bond and ordered him not to have contact with the bar or the victim Ralph Bell. A preliminary hearing is set for June 7th.
According to police reports, Bell and his girlfriend were dancing at the bar early Thursday when a fight involving 20 people broke out. The two were shoved outside and Ferguson punched Bell as he walked away from the bar.
Ferguson turned himself into police Sunday night. He said he fought back in self-defense.
Bell suffered head trauma and swelling and bleeding to his brain, according to police reports. He has been upgraded to fair condition at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, a spokesman said.
