South Milwaukee police say a 30-year-old man is on the run after a woman reported being held inside his apartment and assaulted over multiple days. Miclo Sandoval has been charged with false imprisonment, strangulation and suffocation, misdemeanor battery and misdemeanor bail-jumping. According to police, the woman walked into the South Milwaukee police station last Saturday and reported two episodes of captivity that she says began last Thursday. Sandoval is currently at large on an active warrant.
Allegations in the criminal complaint
The criminal complaint reviewed by FOX6 News states that the woman told investigators the two argued when she tried to leave and that "the defendant had a handgun tucked in his waistband and threatened to kill her." According to the complaint, Sandoval then grabbed, punched and kicked the woman, and used a chair and rope against the door to keep her from getting out.
The filing says he later put her in a headlock that restricted her breathing. The victim told investigators she was held for about three hours before she was able to leave. The complaint states she later returned to the apartment, and when officers eventually knocked, someone answered the door, identified himself as Miclo, and refused to come out.
Court records and warrant
Public filings available through Wisconsin Circuit Court Access indicate Sandoval is not in police custody and that a warrant has been issued for his arrest. The records also list a separate January Waukesha County booking for misdemeanor operating while revoked and disorderly conduct.
What the charges carry
Under Wisconsin law, false imprisonment and strangulation are charged as felonies and can carry serious penalties. Strangulation and suffocation is codified at section 940.235, according to Justia, and false imprisonment appears at section 940.30 on Justia. Both offenses are Class H felonies that may be punishable by up to six years in prison and fines.
Penalties can increase in cases with prior convictions or other enhancements, and a conviction would carry long-term consequences, including loss of firearm rights and other collateral effects.
How readers can help
Anyone with information about Sandoval's whereabouts is asked to contact the South Milwaukee Police Department at 414-768-8060, or call 911 in an emergency. The department's website also outlines records and reporting options for victims and witnesses. Local prosecutors will oversee the case as it moves through the court system.
