ONALASKA, WI – Authorities in Onalaska have released body camera footage capturing the dramatic arrest of a then-17-year-old suspect, accused of breaking into a home and attacking a teenage girl. The incident on September 2, 2022, left the community shaken and has now led to significant legal consequences for the assailant, Austin Bailey.

In the early hours of the morning, police responded to a distressing call from a 15-year-old victim who reported being stabbed by an intruder in her own bedroom.

Despite her serious injuries, including a near-severed pinkie, she bravely managed to fight off her attacker. The victim identified the assailant as Bailey, whom she had spent time with earlier that night. Concerns about Bailey surfaced after a friend revealed he had taken inappropriate photos of her while she was asleep, storing them under a disturbingly titled album on his phone.

Law enforcement, with assistance from Bailey’s mother, discovered him at a nearby apartment complex. Body cam footage shows officers attempting to de-escalate the situation, urging Bailey, who was visibly holding a knife, to surrender peacefully. Despite their pleas, Bailey appeared unwilling to cooperate, uttering threats to harm himself.

Officers, employing non-lethal tactics, eventually subdued Bailey using a nonlethal round, effectively ending the standoff without further injury. He was subsequently arrested and taken into custody.

Nearly two years after the harrowing incident, Bailey, now 19, faced the judicial system. Court records indicate that he pled guilty to attempted first-degree intentional homicide. Earlier this year, he received a sentence of 16 years in state prison, acknowledging the 556 days already served in detention. Upon completion of his prison term, he will be subjected to an additional four years of probation.

The case highlights the dangerous consequences of escalating disputes and the proactive role of law enforcement in defusing potentially lethal encounters. The victim’s resilience and swift police action were instrumental in bringing the suspect to justice, ensuring such a threat is removed from the community for a significant period.

The community continues to support the victim as she recovers from her injuries, with law enforcement officials applauding her courage and cooperation during the investigation. The successful arrest and sentencing of Bailey serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation between citizens and police in maintaining public safety.