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Pewaukee attempted kidnapping; man charged
A 37-year-old Waukesha man has been charged in connection to an attempted kidnapping that occurred in the City of Pewaukee on Monday, Jan. 15.
WAUKESHA, Wis. - A 37-year-old Waukesha man has been charged in connection to an attempted kidnapping that occurred in the City of Pewaukee on Monday, Jan. 15.
Lance Marchel has been charged with attempting kidnapping, false imprisonment, and disorderly conduct.
According to the criminal complaint, officers were dispatched to The Beer Depot, located on Prospect Avenue, for reports of a kidnapping complaint. Upon arrival, they spoke with the victim, who claimed that a man approached her and grabbed her as she was leaving the store.
Lance Marchel
The victim told investigators that while inside the store shopping, she spotted a man that continued to watch her. After purchasing merchandise, the victim left the store and began walking towards her vehicle. The man, later identified as Lance Marchel, had left the store before the victim. He was waiting next to his car when the victim walked by, the complaint states.
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Feeling unsafe, the victim told investigators that she began walking back towards the store. That's when Marchel allegedly grabbed her by the jacket and attempted to lift her up. The victim kneed Marchel and he dropped her.
"There are some mental health concerns here," said Mark Powers, defense attorney.
Beer Depot, Pewaukee
The victim then ran into the store and yelled, "Help, he's trying to take me," according to the complaint. Marchel allegedly followed the victim into the store, at which point the store manager yelled at him to leave. Marchel then returned to his vehicle and left.
The Waukesha County Sheriff's Department was able to obtain a Wisconsin registration plate for Marchel's vehicle. While responding to his listed address, officers spotted Marchel driving. Deputies conducted a traffic stop and Marchel was taken into custody.
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After being arrested, Marchel stated that unknown subjects were creating "integrated networks through energy grids and shifting to the monarchy," according to the complaint. In the deputy's report, he stated that it was clear that the defendant was suffering from severe paranoia and mental illness.
Beer Depot, Pewaukee
In court on Thursday, Jan. 25, prosecutors and Marchel's attorney wanted Marchel to get treatment at Rogers Memorial Hospital.
"I have a report here that indicates he has no other record, whatsoever," said David Herring, court commissioner.
Lance Marchel
Commissioner Herring ultimately set cash bond at $5,000 and GPS monitoring.
"Mr. Marchel, if I get any negative letters as it relates to that GPS monitoring – whether it turns off, you take it off or not pay for it. I will immediately issue a warrant for your arrest. Do you understand? I need you to use your words," Herring said.
"Yes," Marchel replied.
Marchel's parents and attorney declined to comment after court Thursday. FOX6 News also reached out to the victim multiple times with questions, but never heard back.