Danis charged with assault and battery

A case against Mark Danis has been bound over to Hot Springs District Court. Danis faces charges of felony aggravated assault and battery with a deadly weapon and misdemeanor domestic battery.

The charges stem from an alleged July 25 incident, when a Thermopolis Police officer responded to a disturbance at the residence of Danis and Pedro “Peter” Diaz. At the scene, the officer was met by a Hot Springs County deputy.

As the officers approached the residence, Diaz, covered in blood, opened the door. It was noted Diaz had a deep laceration to his right bicep and a small laceration to his left bicep.

During an interview, Diaz said he went to pick up Danis from work. Danis later requested the keys but Diaz refused to give them up, leading to a fight between the two during which, Diaz said, Danis hit him with a long wooden staff.

Diaz said Danis had left, though an officer noted the staff and an “ice chopper” in the residence. The chopper was described as having a long wooden handle with a rectangular metal head that is sharp on one end. It was further noted there was blood on the blade of the chopper.

Officers attempted to locate Danis and found him at his work. The officers identified themselves at the door of his business but received no response.

Danis later came out and officers saw he had blood smears on him but no visible injuries. Danis stated he didn’t want to be around Diaz because he had a bad attitude.

Upon interview, Danis said Diaz had come to get him, though Danis was not yet ready to go. Though Danis called for a ride later, he was told by Diaz’s daughter that her father was in bed. Though Diaz did give Danis a ride home, when they returned he hid the keys from Danis.

Danis further stated Diaz lit a cigarette in their residence, in spite of an agreement they have. Danis took the cigarette, upsetting Diaz who then allegedly struck Danis with his fists. An officer did note injuries to Danis.

To defend himself, Danis said he grabbed a staff, though Diaz grabbed the other end and started “dancing” Danis around the residence. Danis allegedly later grabbed the ice chopper, swung it and struck Diaz, which caused him to back off. Danis said he broke off the confrontation and needed time to cool off, but that he was acting in self-defense and planned to turn himself in.

The next day, an officer observed Diaz in the hospital with a large wrap n his shoulder and cuts on his hand that received stitches and appeared to be defensive wounds.

Bond for Danis is set at $20,000 cash, and he faces a maximum 10.5 years and more than $10,000 in fines if found guilty.