Man with iron pipe by Karl’s Chevrolet bound over for trial

By LeAnn R. Ralph

MENOMONIE —  A Colfax man will be arraigned in Dunn County Circuit Court later this month in connection with an incident near Karl’s Chevrolet when he was carrying an iron pipe.

Following a preliminary hearing on August 5, the Honorable Rod W. Smeltzer found probable cause and scheduled an arraignment hearing on August 23 for 29-year-old Joshua J. Gibson.

Gibson is charged with one felony count of possessing burglary tools, two felony counts of bail jumping and four misdemeanor counts of bail jumping, along with misdemeanor counts of damage to property and resisting an officer.

According to the criminal complaint, on July 22, Colfax Police Chief Pete Gehring observed Gibson and Kara Katzbahn standing by the rear door of Karl’s Chevrolet and that Gibson had an iron pipe in his hand. When Gibson and Katzbahn saw Police Chief Gehring, they ran in opposite directions.

Police Chief Gehring eventually caught up with Gibson, who no longer had the iron pipe in his possession, but who gave off a strong odor of intoxicants and had dilated pupils.

Dunn County dispatch advised Police Chief Gehring that Gibson had a Chippewa County bond with a no-drink provision.

Police Chief Gehring advised Gibson he was being arrested for a bail violation, and after a struggle, was able to handcuff Gibson and place him in the squad car.

Police Chief Gehring located the iron pipe on the bumper of a truck in the Karl’s Chevrolet lot, and while he was driving to make contact with Katzbahn, Gibson began hitting his head on the passenger side rear door window.

A Dunn County deputy arrived to provide assistance, and while Police Chief Gehring was talking to Katzbahn, Gibson began kicking the rear windows in the squad vehicle.

While Police Chief Gehring and the deputy attempted to control Gibson, Katzbahn walked away, according to the complaint.

Police Chief Gehring and the deputy attempted to restrain Gibson’s legs, but he kept wrestling out of the restraints. On the way to the Dunn County jail, Police Chief Gehring reported that he had to stop three times because Gibson was kicking the rear doors of the squad vehicle.

By the time they arrived at the jail, Police Chief Gehring reported that Gibson had passed out in the back seat. Jail staff placed Gibson in a holding cell and called Emergency Medical Services.

According to the complaint, a review of court files revealed that on July 3, 2013, Gibson had signed a $1,000 signature bond in Chippewa County, where he was charged with felony possession of narcotics, operating while intoxicated third offense, operating with restricted controlled substances third offense, and possession of illegally-obtained prescription drugs. One condition of bail was that Gibson not possess or consume alcohol or illegal drugs.

On April 10, 2013, Gibson signed a $200 cash bond in Dunn County after being charged with retail theft and two misdemeanor counts of bail jumping.

On October 28, 2012, Gibson signed a $2,500 signature bond in Dunn County after being charged with possession of prescription drugs and possession of marijuana.

Gibson will be arraigned in Dunn County Circuit Court at 9:15 a.m. August 23.

Possession of burglary tools is a Class I felony that carries a potential fine of up to $10,000 and/or three years and six months in prison.

Felony bail jumping is a Class H felony that carries a potential fine of up to $10,000 and/or six years in prison for each count.

Misdemeanor bail jumping, criminal damage to property, and resisting an officer are Class A misdemeanors that carry a potential fine of up to $10,000 and/or nine months in prison for each count.

Court records indicate that Gibson currently has a Menomonie address.