Milwaukee man pleads not guilty in attack near Old Mill Creek
A Milwaukee man pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges he attacked a Wisconsin man, then dumped him on the side of a road near Old Mill Creek.
Michael Highsmith, 24, remains held in Lake County jail on $1 million bond after being charged with attempted murder, armed robbery, and four counts of aggravated battery, Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Robert Money said.
If found guilty, Highsmith could spend 6 to 30 years in prison, Money added.
Lake County Sheriff deputies said a passing motorist saw Highsmith covered in blood and leaving a wooded area on Crawford Road near Old Mill Creek about 1 p.m. on April 7.
The motorist then saw the victim, a 66-year-old man from Genoa City, Wis., on the ground bleeding, officials said.
The victim was attacked outside the vehicle with a 1-inch knife that was part of a corkscrew bottle opener, officials said. He suffered from a slashed throat, slashed eyelids, cut wrists, a dislocated shoulder and broken bones in the lower leg, police said.
During the investigation, authorities said the victim's gold ring was found in Highsmith's possession, a gold chain pulled off the victim's neck was found at the scene, and the victim's wallet was found in the vehicle.
Police said Highsmith told them he had known the victim for more than four years and admitted attacking him.
Highsmith, who is due in court May 16, has a May 24 trial date.