Backpack Burglary Suspect Back in Jail on New Charges
By Lisa Pett
A man who appeared in court on Monday for allegedly stealing a backpack containing a $1,500 laptop was back in custody on Tuesday facing new theft charges.
Donald Coulthurst, 66, appeared via video in Portage County Court on Wednesday to face charges of theft, retail theft, criminal damage to property and bail jumping.
According to police reports, the Stevens Point police stopped Coulthurst to question him regarding a report that he illegally entered a vehicle that did not belong to him, removed the key cylinder, along with registration documents and then visited several local car dealerships in an attempt to get a replacement key made for the car.
During this conversation, Coulthurst made a request to the officer to enter the downtown Shopko store to use the restroom. While in the store, he allegedly took a utility knife and left without paying for it.
SPPD officers arrested him on suspicion of theft and bail jumping charges and transported him to the Portage County Jail.
Coulthurst remains in jail on a $2,000 cash bond. His next court appearance is on August 24. He was ordered to have no contact with the owner of the vehicle, Len Dudas Motors, A-Z Motors, Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts and Shopko.
Coulthurst is also a life registrant of the Wisconsin sex offender registry.