In the early morning hours of Sunday September 4, Merrill officers responded to a reported domestic disturbance on Hollywood Drive. Upon arrival, officers met with the victim who reported being involved in a verbal altercation with 26-year-old Brandin Milanowski.
According to officer notes, the victim reported the altercation became physical when Milanowski held the victim against a sink and choked the victim, causing the victim to experience difficulty in breathing. The victim reportedly displayed a facial injury, indicating being struck by Milanowski twice in the face with a closed fist.
Milanowski reportedly denied any physical contact occurring with the victim and reportedly allowed investigating officers to examine messages on his cell phone.
While examining the messages, an officer reportedly discovered a message from Milanowski to the victim, indicating Milanowski striking the victim. At that point, Milanowski was taken into custody and later transported to the Lincoln County Jail.
Milanowski appeared in Lincoln County Circuit Court on September 6 facing a Felony charge of Strangulation and Suffocation as well as Misdemeanor charges of Domestic Violence Related Battery, Disorderly Conduct and Contact After Domestic Abuse Arrest. Milanowski reportedly made 10 attempts to contact the victim from the Lincoln County Jail on Sunday, despite a 72 hour No Contact Order being placed between Milanowski and the victim. He was released September 8 on $5,000 signature bond.