Eric Blum is charged with substantial battery and could face up to 3 ½ years in prison if convicted of the charge. Blum appeared before Dodge County Court Commissioner Steven Seim on Monday for his initial appearance in court. He was released on a $10,000 cash bond. He may not have direct or indirect contact or communication with the victim. He also must maintain absolute sobriety and may not have violent or abusive contact with anyone.

According to the criminal complaint, Mayville Police arrived to a home the city on Saturday at 9:45 p.m. for a report of a pulseless, non-breathing man. When they arrived, they found two women performing CPR on the man in the garage at the home. Blood was also coming from the man’s ears and the back of his head.

EMTs arrived on the scene, and one of the women told an officer that there was an altercation between the man and Blum. According to the criminal complaint, several people heard the two in an argument in the garage, while they were in the home. One witness had seen the victim laying on the ground with Blum kicking him.

Blum left the home but was later located at Kwik Trip, 121 N. Main St. The victim was taken to University Hospital in Madison where he was listed in critical condition for major head trauma. He was taken into surgery to release the pressure on his brain.

Blum was taken to the jail, but he would not speak to the investigators about the incident.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled on Sept. 24.