COLDWATER, MI – A Coldwater man was formally charged in Branch County District Court with four counts, including three counts for resisting members of the Michigan State Police following a violent confrontation at a Bethel Township residence.

49-year-old Brett Donley was charged with assault by strangulation after he was accused of putting his hands around the neck of another man during an argument. After having difficulty in breathing, the alleged victim managed to get away.

According to court reports, Donley’s criminal history goes back as far as 1990. Prosecutors have filed an habitual offender fourth offense notice.

Bond was set at $15,000.

A probable cause hearing was set for June 24th, with a preliminary exam scheduled on June 29th.