COLDWATER, Mich. (WLKI)- A 22-year-old Coldwater man remains in the Branch County Jail after being charged in connection with an alleged assault at a Burger King restaurant Sunday night.
Austin James Lawhead is charged with assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder or by strangulation, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
According to a complaint filed by the Branch County Prosecutor's Office, the charge stems from an altercation at the Burger King on Coldwater's east side involving Lawhead and a 46-year-old co-worker.
Police were called to the restaurant around 9 p.m. Sunday after receiving a report of a fight. Investigators said the confrontation began after Lawhead returned from a break and argued with the other employee at the front counter over a personal item Lawhead believed had been stolen.
The complaint alleges Lawhead jumped over the counter, put the victim in a chokehold, struck the victim in the head with a cellphone and bit the victim in the face.
The alleged victim suffered head injuries and was taken to Insight Hospital and Medical Center Coldwater for treatment, according to police. Authorities said part of the incident was captured on cellphone video.
Branch County Circuit Judge Brent Weigle entered a not guilty plea on Lawhead's behalf and set bond at $10,000. Prosecutors had requested a $100,000 bond.
If released, Lawhead is prohibited from contacting the alleged victim and from going onto Burger King property.
A pretrial conference is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Oct. 8, followed by a preliminary examination at 10 a.m. Oct. 15.
Lawhead is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Source: Coldwater Public Safety and Branch County court records