By Brandi Makuski

A 30-year-old man has been arrested following his attempt to burgle a hotel room on the city’s south side.

Joshua P. Barton, of Bancroft, was arrested on Dec. 3 after a caller reported seeing him attempt to force open the door of a hotel room at Knights Inn, 3425 Church St., at 11:16 PM. The caller said they suspected Barton had a gun with him.

When Stevens Point police responded to the scene, Barton fled on foot. Police, assisted by Portage Co. deputies, conducted a search of the area and found Barton nearby, then took him into custody.

According to Assistant Police Chief Tom Zenner, Barton denied having a gun with him, but officers found BB pellets and a CO2 canister in his pockets. Officers also noted some damage to the door frame of the room Barton allegedly attempted to enter. It was not immediately clear why he chose that room, or if he knew the room’s 48-year-old male occupant.

Zenner said Barton also threatened officers as he was being arrested, saying he would “come after them” once he was released from jail.

At the time of the alleged crime, Barton was on bond in Adams Co. for charges of stalking, disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property. That case is still pending resolution.

Initial charges against Barton include three counts of bail-jumping, armed burglary with a dangerous weapon, armed robbery with use of force, and battery/threat to the law enforcement officer.

Barton is being held on a $5,000 cash bond. He is scheduled to return to court on Dec. 19 at 1:30 PM.