Bozeman man charged with aggravated assault

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By The Associated Press

Story Published: Mar 16, 2010 at 7:54 AM MDT

Story Updated: Mar 16, 2010 at 7:54 AM MDT

BOZEMAN - A 27-year-old Bozeman man accused of punching another man at a Belgrade bar, leaving him hospitalized in critical condition, has pleaded not guilty to aggravated assault.

Matthew Wagemann appeared in District Court on Monday. He remains jailed on $150,000 bail.

Wagemann is accused of punching Shad Waddell of Belgrade, who reportedly was a bystander when a fight broke out at a Belgrade bar on Feb. 24. The owner of the Belgrade Lounge says Waddell remains hospitalized in intensive care with brain swelling.

Witnesses told authorities Waddell was "sucker punched," then fell to the ground and hit his head on the asphalt, a prosecutor has said. Wagemann says he acted in self defense.

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