Would-be accomplice backs out; partner held on $500,000 bond

By DAVID COLBURN

News editor

An alleged plan to steal from and kidnap a Hillsboro man at knifepoint landed another Hillsboro man in jail on $500,000 bond Saturday, after his would-be partner backed out and, apparently in fear of his life, reported the plot to police.

Patric Patterson, 20, Hillsboro, allegedly asked Alexander Barlow, 18, Hillsboro, to assist him in a plan to enter the residence of 76-year-old Hillsboro Ford employee Ron Herbel to steal money and vehicle keys, use a knife to coerce Herbel into giving them his personal financial information, and kidnap him, police reported.

Patterson was previously acquainted with Herbel, according to a police report.

The pair were walking to Herbel’s house when Barlow changed his mind, Hillsboro police chief Dan Kinning said.

“They got within a couple of blocks and he just couldn’t do it,” Kinning said. “I don’t know if Barlow ever intended to follow through with it.”

Patterson reacted violently, Kinning said.

“Patterson then assaulted and threatened to kill him (Barlow),” he said.

Barlow, “visibly upset and scared,” according to Kinning, contacted officer David Funk and told him about Patterson’s plan and what had happened after he backed out.

Kinning said police corroborated Barlow’s story through additional interviews that evening.

“We talked to at least two other people who overheard it or had information about it,” Kinning said.

Assisted by sheriff’s deputies, Funk found Patterson at his home and arrested him, Kinning said. Patterson was booked into jail at 9:49 p.m. Saturday.

Potential charges against Patterson include conspiracy to commit kidnapping; conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery armed with a dangerous weapon; conspiracy to commit theft; criminal threat; and misdemeanor battery. Each charge carries a $100,000 surety bond.

Patterson was free on $35,000 bond as he awaited a July sentencing hearing on four felony charges of criminal damage to property. Those charges stem from a rash of graffiti spray painted onto numerous buildings, schools, vehicles, and other property in Hillsboro, Goessel, and rural areas of the county last August. An April 10 plea agreement dismissed seven associated misdemeanor charges in exchange for guilty or nolo contendre pleas on the felony charges.

Also included in the plea agreement was a misdemeanor criminal trespassing charge Patterson agreed to plead guilty or nolo contendre to. Charges of interference with a law enforcement officer and possession of an hallucinogenic drug, THC, were to be dismissed with prejudice.

Any criminal violations committed prior to the July sentencing could result in the plea agreement being amended or revoked, according to a clause in the agreement.

Kinning said a decision about whether to charge Barlow with any crimes would be made by county attorney Courtney Boehm.