Athol man sent to prison following domestic battery incident

An Athol man was sentenced Thursday to a 10-year prison sentence with parole eligibility after five years for felony domestic battery.

Derick Wayne Brunke, 37, was previously convicted of felony domestic battery and possession of marijuana. The charges stem from an incident July 3, 2024, when officers investigated allegations that Brunke threw his then-significant other onto a bed, pulled her hair, punched her in the head and strangled her, causing her traumatic injuries, according to a press release from the Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.

The victim was able to leave the residence on foot, but Brunke followed her on a motorized scooter to a convenience store. 

"Fortunately, the victim was able to barricade herself in the store’s bathroom while an employee called 911," the release said.

Responding officers found Brunke outside the residence and found marijuana in his pocket after arresting him. 

Brunke pleaded guilty Sept. 18, 2024, and was released from jail pending sentencing after serving more than two months in jail. 

Brunke failed to appear for sentencing Feb. 27, and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. He remained on the run for nearly six months until he was located and arrested, the release said. 

Brunke’s criminal history spans two decades and includes convictions for assault, DUI, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, criminal mischief and theft, the release said.

Felony domestic battery is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Possession of marijuana is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail. 

Brunke was sentenced by District Judge Ross Pittman. He received credit for time served for possession of marijuana. A no-contact order was entered prohibiting Brunke from contacting the victim for five years.