A Koshkonong man is facing multiple felony charges after police say a custody exchange turned violent, resulting in injuries to the victim and placing children at risk.
According to a probable cause statement filed in Oregon County, officers responded on April 12 to a report of a physical fight in progress. Investigators say Christopher Columbus Russell became verbally aggressive during the exchange before escalating to physical assault. The victim told police Russell reached into her vehicle, removed the keys to prevent her from leaving, and then attempted to forcibly remove the children.
When she intervened, Russell allegedly shoved her, struck her in the face, and elbowed her multiple times. Officers noted visible redness and swelling on her face, arms, and legs. Witnesses corroborated the assault, including one who reported seeing Russell “pushing and jerking” a young child during the struggle.
Surveillance video from a nearby business reportedly shows Russell striking the victim with a child’s booster seat while trying to remove the children from the vehicle. Police say he fled the scene in a white 1999 Chevy Suburban before officers arrived.
Russell is charged with domestic assault, felonious restraint, endangering the welfare of a child, and tampering with a motor vehicle. Officers noted he had been released on parole for involuntary manslaughter less than a month before the incident.
