An Oskaloosa man is facing multiple felony charges after police responded to a report of an armed individual attempting to break into a business last week, according to an Oskaloosa Police Department press release.
On Oct. 29, officers responded to a report of a male attempting to gain entry into a business in Oskaloosa. The reporting party advised the male was at the rear of the business and was believed to be armed with a firearm. The male left the area after becoming aware officers were responding. The suspect, who was told earlier in the day to leave and not come back, allegedly made threatening gestures to the property owner by grabbing his waistband and saying, “Let’s do this.”
Officers located the suspect a short time later in an alley in the 100 block of North 1st Street. He was identified as Francis Jon Barretto, 46, of Oskaloosa.
During the investigation, officers located a 9mm Ruger handgun, suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, a loaded syringe and drug paraphernalia.
Barretto was arrested and charged with Attempted Burglary in the First Degree, a Class C felony; Possession of Controlled Substance – Third or Subsequent Offense, a Class D felony, on two counts; Dominion/Control of Firearm/Offensive Weapon by Felon, a Class D felony; Person Ineligible to Carry Dangerous Weapons, a serious misdemeanor; and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a simple misdemeanor.
The Oskaloosa Police Department was assisted by the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office. Barretto was transported to the Mahaska County Jail, where he is being held on a $26,000 cash-only bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 9.
Editor’s note: Additional details regarding the arrest were added.
