Man on the run allegedley breaks into apt.
Pick a door, any door.
A Butler man “barged” into a couple's apartment while running from police, according to court documents filed Monday.
Chase K. Rhoades, 25, was charged with felony burglary and a misdemeanor fleeing from Butler City Police.
Following his arraignment Monday by District Judge Kevin O'Donnell, Rhoades was placed in Butler County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bond.
According to charging documents, while on patrol the investigating officer witnessed a dispute around 5:27 p.m. in the area of West Cunningham and South Chestnut streets.
Police said it appeared as if Rhoades had shoved a man while another man was trying to hold him back. The officer activated his cruiser's siren in an attempt to defuse the situation, at which point Rhoades began running toward a driveway on the 300 block of Cunningham Street.
“Rhoades physically shoved past an unidentified female in the driveway and climbed the fence, running through the parking lot,” police said.
Police said a different officer saw Rhoades enter an apartment on the 400 block of West New Castle Street.
“Officers knocked on the door, but received no response,” police said.
Police said while canvassing the area, the door to the apartment opened and a man called out for an officer.
“I then observed this male shoving open the door and begin struggling with Rhoades,” police said. “Behind (the man) on the stairs was a female holding a kitchen knife.”
According to police, the woman had grabbed the knife out of fear for her life after Rhoades entered.
The two residents told officers they did not know Rhoades, and he entered their apartment without permission.
“(The man) stated (Rhoades) told them police were outside looking for him,” police said. “(The man) was able to successfully shove Rhoades out of the apartment, where he was taken into custody by police.”
A preliminary hearing for Rhoades has been scheduled for Monday before District Judge William Fullerton.
