Northern Mich. man arraigned in wife's assault, pointing gun at relatives, MSP says

A northern Michigan man has been arraigned on assault and home invasion charges, Michigan State Police said Monday.

Nathan Eli Stickney, 42, of Mancelona was arraigned last week in 87B District Court in Kalkaska County. Charges include assault with intent to murder, home invasion and assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, MSP said in a news release. He is accused of assaulting his wife and pointing a gun at someone before entering a home.

Troopers from the Houghton Lake Post and deputies from the Kalkaska County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched Thursday night to a home in Coldsprings Township, about 35 miles northeast of Traverse City. Stickney reportedly had a confrontation with his wife at a home in Antrim County, when he allegedly drove his vehicle into hers several times while she and their children were in the vehicle, police said.

Later that evening at their home, Stickney allegedly assaulted his wife while their children were present, the release said.

Police said the children ran to the home of relatives next door, with Stickney following them. He returned to his home a short time later, kicked in the door and loaded a 50-caliber muzzle loader, the release said.

Stickney returned to the relative's home, where he pointed the gun at a person through a window, then kicked in their door, pointed the gun at a man and threatened to kill him, state police reported.

The man fought Stickney off and sustained serious cuts to his hand. Stickney's relationship to the man was unclear.

Stickney then left the relatives' home, allegedly shot the gun one time in the air and fled the scene in his vehicle.

Sheriff's deputies the next morning spotted Stickney and attempted a traffic stop, but he fled a short distance before stopping in a parking lot, where he was arrested after a brief struggle, MSP said.

He is held in the Kalkaska County Jail with a $100,000 bond.

Stickney's next court date is 1:30 p.m April 22, state police said.