MONROE - A 46-year-old Monroe man arrested for stalking and drug-related charges last week had threatened to kill a village of DeForest police officer, officials said.
John R. Karls was arrested by DeForest police - with help from Monroe officers - without incident Wednesday, Feb. 16 and taken back to Dane County. DeForest police initially said only that Karls was being investigated on felony stalking charges, alleging he threatened to kill "someone" in their jurisdiction.
But in a follow-up press release, however, DeForest police confirmed that the alleged victim of Karls' threats was one of their own.
Among items reportedly seized at Karls' apartment, in the 1200 block of 9th Street, was a .357 Magnum handgun. Authorities in DeForest added that they previously arrested Karls in December 2007 on charges "stemming from two domestic disturbance incidents" that occurred earlier that year.
"These incidents led to a conviction of domestic-related disorderly conduct," the statement said.
Police further characterized the threats allegedly made against the officer by Karls as being "numerous," adding that "the investigation revealed that Karls had been contacting his ex-wife via e-mail in violation of domestic abuse restraining order."
Karls also faces felony drug charges in Green County, related to the search on his home. Upon searching the apartment house, police say, they found evidence of drug activity, prompting a second warrant - and subsequent charges alleging Karls was growing hallucinogenic mushrooms. Those charges were added to unspecified felony stalking charges in Dane County.
According to online court records, an appearance date for Karls in Green or Dane counties has not been set. Bond information also was unavailable late Monday.
Green County charges against Karls include unlawful manufacturing of psilocybin mushrooms, a Class E felony, and unlawful possession with intent to deliver psilocybin mushrooms, a Class G felony.
-Gary Mays
John R. Karls was arrested by DeForest police - with help from Monroe officers - without incident Wednesday, Feb. 16 and taken back to Dane County. DeForest police initially said only that Karls was being investigated on felony stalking charges, alleging he threatened to kill "someone" in their jurisdiction.
But in a follow-up press release, however, DeForest police confirmed that the alleged victim of Karls' threats was one of their own.
Among items reportedly seized at Karls' apartment, in the 1200 block of 9th Street, was a .357 Magnum handgun. Authorities in DeForest added that they previously arrested Karls in December 2007 on charges "stemming from two domestic disturbance incidents" that occurred earlier that year.
"These incidents led to a conviction of domestic-related disorderly conduct," the statement said.
Police further characterized the threats allegedly made against the officer by Karls as being "numerous," adding that "the investigation revealed that Karls had been contacting his ex-wife via e-mail in violation of domestic abuse restraining order."
Karls also faces felony drug charges in Green County, related to the search on his home. Upon searching the apartment house, police say, they found evidence of drug activity, prompting a second warrant - and subsequent charges alleging Karls was growing hallucinogenic mushrooms. Those charges were added to unspecified felony stalking charges in Dane County.
According to online court records, an appearance date for Karls in Green or Dane counties has not been set. Bond information also was unavailable late Monday.
Green County charges against Karls include unlawful manufacturing of psilocybin mushrooms, a Class E felony, and unlawful possession with intent to deliver psilocybin mushrooms, a Class G felony.
-Gary Mays