Fugitive brought back to La Crosse jail, three years after hitting girlfriend in face with bottle

A La Crosse man who’s been a fugitive for more than two years is now in the county jail, on a charge of causing substantial battery to his girlfriend.

Edwin Ware was arrested in Michigan on a court warrant earlier this year. He was returned to La Crosse last week.

The 36-year-old is accused of hitting the victim in the face with a liquor bottle during a fight on Christmas Eve of 2019, causing severe bleeding and facial injuries.

Court records show that Ware missed a court appearance a week after the incident and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

The fight happened at Ware’s home on Adams Street. He claims the victim hit him first with a cane.

A cash bond of $2,500 was set. Ware is due back in court on June 13.