Armed robbery suspect held on $15K cash bond

By Brandi Makuski

A Stevens Point teenager is being held on a $15,000 cash bond for his alleged involvement in an open-air armed robbery in the downtown district.

Antonio Cruz, 17, is charged with armed robbery with threat of force and bail jumping/use of a dangerous weapon after he allegedly robbed another man during a drug deal.

Cruz made his initial appearance by video from the Portage Co. Jail before Judge Robert Shannon on Aug. 6. His attorney, Gary Kryshak, waived the reading of the complaint against him.

Stevens Point police say Cruz met with a man for a drug deal near Center Point Dr. and Third St. at about 1:20 a.m. on July 23, when he brandished a handgun and stole $250 from the man. Cruz then fled the scene on a bicycle, according to Assistant Police Chief Mike Rottier.

After an initial search of the downtown, police responded with a SWAT team to Cruz’ address, 1725 Fremont St., shortly after 10 a.m., with a search warrant.

Cruz was located at the home, along with the cash he took and the clothing he wore during the robbery, and taken into custody; the handgun allegedly used during the crime was not recovered.

It was not immediately clear if the second man would be charged for his involvement in the drug deal.

Cruz returns to court at 3 p.m. on Aug. 27 for an initial appearance.