Christopher Eric Oleson, 18, of Austin was charged with first-degree burglary-possess dangerous weapon, third-degree burglary and first-degree criminal damage to property, all felonies, on Tuesday in Mower County District Court.

He was also charged with gross misdemeanor fifth-degree drug possession and petty misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to the court complaint, police responded to a burglary report at 7:40 a.m. on Sunday at an apartment building in the 900 block of Fifth Street Northwest.

A witness advised that a male suspect, wearing black clothes and carrying what looked like a bat, was seen kicking a door at the complex.

Officers made contact with Oleson in front of a house on Eighth Avenue Northwest. Oleson denied having a bat, telling police he went to the apartment complex to get a phone. When asked if he knocked on the door, Oleson said the door was open, but no one was there. Oleson identified the tenant he was looking for as an adult male with the initials D.S., whom he claimed stole a phone from his parents. When asked if he entered D.S.’s apartment, Oleson said he only entered the hallway area.

An officer spoke with the reporting party, who said he saw Oleson kicking the door that allows access to the hallway that services several units. The witness also said he saw Oleson carrying a large piece of wood that looked like a bat. The officer observed the door and saw the deadbolt was bent and broken. He also saw muddy footprints on the door and located a piece of wood that was approximately 3-feet long leaning against a wall.

The officer then met with Oleson and observed mud on his shoes. He then spoke to Oleson, who admitted to kicking the door because he could not get in touch with D.S. He also said he had a piece of wood because D.S. carries a bat and threatens people. Oleson said he would pay for the door and was arrested.

While at the Mower County Jail, Oleson was found to be in possession of a small amount of methamphetamine and a smoking device.

The owner of the apartment building estimated it would cost more than $1,000 to repair of replace the door.

A review of Oleson’s criminal history shows juvenile incidents for burglary and damage to property.

Oleson will appear in court again on April 8.