WAUPACA, WI (WSAU) – A man who pointed a gun at police during a protest in Waupaca has reached a plea bargain.
Michael Banta, 25, pled guilty to battery of a law enforcement officer. Four other charges were dropped.
He was sentenced to three years probation.
On August 1, 2020 Banta was going to speak at a Black Lives Matter rally. About 40 protesters marched in the streets. Five, including Banta, were open-carrying long guns. Police told the demonstrators that blocking traffic was a violation of a local ordinance. Banta was told if he didn’t get out of the road, he’d be subject to arrest. The police report says as officers moved to arrest him, Banta backed up, fell down an embankment, and raised his riffle towards police. He was tackled and held down while trying to reach for his gun. He bit an officer’s arm while being handcuffed.
When Banta was taken into custody, he had more than 100 rounds of ammunition and was carrying a knife. At the time he was subdued, his riffle was loaded.
No shots were fired during the incident.
The protect was in response to the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
