A LaCrosse man was arrested Friday, February 14 after an investigation into a report of battery and a woman being held at gunpoint.
According to the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began the morning of January 5 when a deputy responded to a grill and pub in LaCrosse where a woman reported a battery and being held at gunpoint by a man who resides nearby.
The 33-year-old victim reported the incident occurred the prior evening inside an apartment belonging to the accused located directly above the establishment. The accused was identified as 36-year-old Mikael Moreno.
The deputy learned the victim was invited inside Moreno’s apartment. While there, an argument ensued between the victim and Moreno. During the argument, police say the victim reported that Moreno brandished a firearm, battered her, and held her against her will. The victim stated she called out for help several times and soon thereafter someone was knocking at the door. Upon the door being opened, the victim stated she fled from the apartment.
The investigation of the incident continued for several weeks. Recently, the detective presented his investigation findings to the La Porte County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office where probable cause was later found by La Porte County Circuit Court for the issuance of an arrest warrant for Moreno.
The Warrants Division received the arrest warrant for Moreno Thursday, February 13 and immediately began to process the document.
The following morning members of the Fugitive Apprehension Street Team began to utilize law enforcement public safety resources to assist in locating Moreno. Moreno was located shortly thereafter and taken into custody at a rural Scipio Township business.
Moreno was arrested on felony charges of criminal confinement with a deadly weapon, criminal confinement, pointing a firearm, and a misdemeanor charge of battery with injury.
Moreno remains housed in the La Porte County Jail and is being held on a $25,0000 cash-only bond.
Suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
