CRAWFORD COUNTY – On Wednesday, June 21 troopers from the Michigan State Police (MSP) Houghton Lake Post were asked to investigate a report of witness intimidation and assault.
According to a statement from the Michigan State Police, the victim told troopers that 50-year-old Neal Paul Bruchu from Kalkaska, came to his residence, and threatened him with a knife. The victim was scheduled to testify against Bruchu for a probation violation in Charlevoix County.
The victim alleged Bruchu began yelling at him for testifying while holding a knife in his hand and saying he was going to kill him. Several other people were present and got between the victim and Bruchu. Bruchu then left the residence.
Bruchu was interviewed at the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office and turned the knife over to deputies there. Troopers lodged Bruchu in the Crawford County Jail.
Bruchu was arraigned in the 46th District Court in Crawford County on one count Witness Retaliating Against, and one count Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.
His next court appearance is on Aug. 1 at 2 p.m.
