By Patrick Lynn

Officials from the Stevens Point Police Department have arrested a suspect in Sunday’s robbery at the Blue Top Shell on Church Street.

27 year- old Vincent J. Belthem was arrested and charged with robbery Tuesday afternoon. Police identified Belthem after a series of interviews led to a search warrant for the Belthem residence on North Torun Road.

Belthem allegedly entered the gas station shortly after 9 PM Sunday, locked the door behind him and demanded money and cigarettes. He got away with $1,000 and two cartons of cigarettes, some of which officers found inside the Belthem home during a police search. Whether or not he has an accomplice is unknown.

Belthem was partially identified by the clothing he wore during the robbery, which detectives later found in a nearby park.

Belthem has admitted his involvement in the robbery to authorities and remains in custody at the Portage County Jail.

The Stevens Point Police Department, Stevens Point Park Security and Portage County Sheriff’s Office all contributed to the investigation.

Anyone with additional information about the case can contact Detective Sgt. Joe Gruber at 715-346-1518. Callers can also remain anonymous, and be eligible for a reward, by calling the Portage County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-346-6600.