NEW ULM — A felony domestic assault charge was filed in Brown County District Court Thursday against a 33-year-old New Ulm man for allegedly hitting a woman in the head several times.

In court Friday, unconditional bail was set at $100,000; $50,000 with conditions for Paul G. Mercer, 1400 N. State St. His next court appearance was set for 1:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 20.

According to court documents, New Ulm Police were dispatched to a physical domestic assault at 1400 N. State St. at 11:46 a.m., Sept. 11. Dispatch told police Mercer had left the scene and was walking north wearing jeans and a grey t-shirt.

Outside the residence, police talked with the alleged victim who was crying and had a “goose egg” shaped swelling on her right temple. The woman told police Mercer asked her for a dollar and some change so he could buy some alcohol. She said she asked him to wait until after her ultrasound scheduled that afternoon. The woman told police she is five months pregnant with Mercer’s child.

The victim said Mercer punched her in the head three times, then pushed her on the ground, causing a small right knee abrasion when she did not give him a dollar.

Allina Ambulance arrived at the scene and talked with the woman who said she was having trouble hearing clearly out of her right ear. Police noticed the swelling increase over her temple and her right ear began to bruise.

A short time later, police saw a man wearing blue jeans, a gray t-shirt, dark hair and full beard near the North Park picnic tables. Police drove into the park and saw the man matched the description of Mercer. He turned and acted like he was going to flee. Police drew a taser and ordered him to stop. He stopped, faced police and began walking fast, towards an officer in an aggressive manner.

Police ordered Mercer to stop or he would be tasered. He stopped and got down on his knees. Police told Mercer he would be handcuffed, arrested and would be tased if he resisted.

Mercer’s record showed he was convicted of felony domestic assault on April 2, 2014 in Carver County, and fifth-degree assault on April 5, 2013 in Hennepin County. Both convictions are qualified, domestic violence-related offenses.

(Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com).