An Austin man who allegedly assaulted his father, failed a drug test and assaulted an officer of the court while out on $100,000 bond — then failed to appear at a hearing, bringing even more charges — pleaded not guilty Thursday to all eight charges against him.
Jamie Lee Chris Schammel, 31, has since had his bond raised to $300,000. He's due back in court May 4.
He was arrested Feb. 8 in Lyle and charged with second-degree assault, making terroristic threats and possession of tear gas, all felonies, as well as misdemeanor domestic assault. He was released Feb. 13 on bail and ordered to report that week to Mower County's Justice Center for a urinalysis.
When a corrections employee questioned the validity of the sample, Schammel reportedly pushed the employee into a wall and fled. He was subsequently charged with two counts of fifth-degree assault in that incident.
Schammel was due in court Feb. 23 for an initial appearance on the Feb. 8 incident but didn't show up, netting him another felony.
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According to the original complaint, Schammel drove to his father's business in Lyle that day to retrieve some property and allegedly walked into the business brandishing a wrench above his head. His father told authorities that Schammel "tried to whack me," so he grabbed a piece of wood and chased Schammel out of the building.
When deputies arrived, Schammel was in his car, which wouldn't start. The complaint says deputies found a large wrench, pepper spray and a large "throwing knife" inside the car.
Schammel allegedly tried to kick out the rear side window of the squad car after his arrest.