Advertisement
Gerald David Schaefer, 63, wept and asked to be released from jail to attend treatment for an alcohol addiction he said has caused him “many problems.”
“I’ve fought alcoholism all my life,” he said.
Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to Schaefer’s home Oct. 7 after a witness reported he was intoxicated and had a gun. Court documents show Schaefer had consumed a bottle of brandy, and he said Tuesday in court he had also swallowed 260 Oxycontin tablets. The witness disarmed Schaefer before police arrived, according to the complaint. Schaefer was naked when police got to the scene, threatening to “put holes in everyone” if he had one of his guns, the complaint states. He lunged at officers and fell to the ground in pain from a previous knee surgery, according to the complaint.
He was charged Thursday with felony terroristic threats and harassment.
In court Tuesday, Judge Nancy Bostrack ordered Schaefer held in jail on $20,000 bail or $10,000 conditional bail with conditions he not consume or possess alcohol and that he not possess firearms or ammunition. She allowed him a furlough from the jail to attend a treatment center in Albert Lea, Minn.
Schaefer told Bostrack he couldn’t remember anything about the incident.
He was scheduled to return to court Oct. 23.
Kevin Behr may be reached at (507) 453-3524 or at kbehr@winonadailynews.com.
