On July 3, 2025, at approximately 2:18 A.M., officers of the Austin Police Department were dispatched to 3702 3rd Place SW in the City of Austin, County of Mower, for a disturbance. The reporting party (Victim A, an adult male) advised that his son, SHERMAN JAMES HAUGLAND, DOB/030581, the defendant herein, was under the influence and attempting to break into the residence. Victim A notified dispatch that the defendant gained entry and was then leaving the area on a motorized scooter. Officer McCormack arrived at the residence and made contact with Victim A on the front steps.
McCormack observed Victim A to be shaking and was visibly upset. While recalling the events, McCormack observed Victim A to break down and cry and hyperventilate. McCormack asked Victim A if he needed medical attention, but he declined. Victim A told McCormack that the defendant was on meth. He stated that when the defendant uses, he gets "that way," and has "crazy eyes." Victim A told Officer McCormack the altercation began over burnt bacon. Victim A said the defendant had been out drinking at the bar until closing time and when the defendant came home, he made the two of them some bacon which was burnt.
Victim A stated that he made a comment about the bacon being burnt, and the defendant went "out of control." Victim A stated that the defendant threw the pan that he was using to cook and was getting crazy. Victim A said he tried to separate himself from the defendant by sitting in his chair in the living room. Victim A then said the defendant then came running at him and stood over him with raised, clinched fists. Victim A demonstrated the altercation and described the defendant as looking "like a gorilla" that was "going to kill him." Victim A said he kicked the defendant back from his chair and the defendant came back at him again.
Victim A said he told the defendant to leave his house and the defendant refused. Victim A said he told the defendant he was going to call 911 and showed the defendant his phone with 911 dialed, but Victim A had not yet pressed the green call button. Victim A said the defendant approached him and knocked the phone out of his hands. Victim A said this is when the defendant "really got seriously into me." Victim A said he corralled the defendant outside, but he came back in. Victim A said the defendant began pushing him by the door, so Victim A pushed the defendant in the chest.
Victim A said that due to the defendant being drunk, he fell backwards on the deck. The defendant then circled around the residence and he re-entered through the side door and went into his bedroom before leaving. 2 A advised Officer McCormack that he is "scared to death" of the defendant when he gets like that. Victim A said the defendant used to be a weightlifter and that he acts like a gorilla that is going to kill him. Victim A also cited his own age and physical condition. Victim Victim A stated that the residence was his and the defendant had been living there for about four months.
