Ladysmith Man Arrested Following Domestic Violence Investigation

RUSK COUNTY — A Ladysmith man is facing multiple felony charges after police responded to a reported domestic violence incident that led to the recovery of several firearms, according to the Ladysmith Police Department.

PRESS RELEASE

On Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at approximately 2:07 a.m. a frantic female subject came to the Rusk County Law Enforcement Center (LEC) reporting someone was trying to kill her. A Ladysmith Police Officer met with the female who advised her boyfriend was intoxicated and "flipped.”

The female further stated her boyfriend grabbed her by the throat, smashed her cell phone, bear hugged her, and pulled her off a bed onto the floor. The female stated she was able to run away from the residence and came to the LEC. The female warned officers that her boyfriend has several firearms at the residence and stated he was going to kill everyone.

A Ladysmith Police officer and Rusk County Deputies responded to 1009 Sabin Ave East in the City of Ladysmith where the incident had allegedly occurred. Officers were unable to make contact with the boyfriend at the residence or by cell phone. The boyfriend was identified as Karl O. Blattermann, age 49.

Around 8:00 a.m. Ladysmith Police received a call from Blattermann. Blattermann was uncooperative with the officer and advised he would not come to the LEC or meet with an officer outside his residence.

Due to the potential threat level and the propensity of violence, the Barron/Rusk County Emergency Response Team was contacted to assist with making contact with Blattermann at the residence.

Prior to the Barron/Rusk County Emergency Response Team arriving, Blattermann was located in front of the residence on Sabin Ave East. Ladysmith Police Officers made contact with Blattermann and he was arrested without incident.

A search of the residence was conducted, and several firearms were located in and around the home.

Blattermann was booked into the Rusk County jail for felon in possession of a firearm, suffocation/strangulation, battery, disorderly conduct, criminal damage to property and felony bail jumping. The case is being referred to the Rusk County District Attorney's Office.