Douglas Walker

The Star Press

MUNCIE – City police say a Muncie teenager went on a mini-crime spree on Monday.

About 6 p.m., authorities received a report that Austin Perry Atkins, 19, had forced his way into a home in the 2500 block of North Everbrook Lane, and claimed to have a gun while demanding money.

The intruder, wearing a ski mask – and reportedly clad in boxer shorts, but no pants or shoes, despite the bitterly cold weather – had a paper bag over the hand he claimed held a gun, city police Sgt. Mike Engle said. At one point, he allegedly held the bag to the head of one of his victims.

Engle said the would-be bandit – apparently recognized by his victims – fled the scene without being given any money.

A short time later, the police sergeant said, a family member made police aware they could find Atkins at the Best Western hotel at 3011 W. Bethel Ave.

An officer found Atkins in the hotel’s lobby, and apprehended him after a chase down a hallway, Engle said. He was found to be carrying a bottle containing three different kinds of pills, allegedly including Xanax and Percocet.

A hotel guest told police Atkins had offered to sell him the pills.

The Muncie man was being held in the Delaware County jail on Tuesday under a $32,500 bond, preliminarily charged with three counts each of dealing in and possession of controlled substances, and resisting law enforcement.

He was also the target of three warrants issued in Muncie City Court, where he is charged with two counts of theft and illegal consumption of alcohol.

Contact news reporter Douglas Walker at (765) 213-5851. You can also follow him on Twitter @DouglasWalkerSP.