Man charged with attack on Milwaukee's east side makes initial appearance in court, bond reduction denied

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The man charged with substantial battery and property damage for an attack on Milwaukee's east side appeared in court on Tuesday, Sept. 17.

Thirty-five-year-old Matt Carlin had a fractured jaw after 21-year-old Cole Slotke ripped off his shirt and punched him in the face around 9:30 p.m. on July 27. The attack was recorded on surveillance video outside Carlin's home near E. Brady Street and N. Arlington Place.

In court, Slotke's attorneys aimed to cut his $5,000 bond in half, but it was denied

Carlin watched Slotke in court on Tuesday but did not provide a victim statement. He spoke with CBS 58 after the appearance to provide an update on his injuries. 

“I have to see more doctors. My front two teeth, we don’t know if they’re going to be able to be saved," Carlin said. He previously shared photos of his injuries with CBS 58. 

Carlin's wife, Kristel Sikora, had previously spoken to CBS 58 and shared her frustration with the Milwaukee Police Department for their investigation, stating it took too long for Slotke to get charges.

With a bond reduction denied in court, Carlin believes the case against his charged attacker is going in the right direction in the legal system. 

"I found out recently I might have to get more dental surgery, so it is still a serious, ongoing thing for me," Carlin said. "To see other people take it just as seriously does seem like the right step."

Slotke will appear in court for a preliminary hearing on Oct. 7.