Suspect making threats taken into custody in Black River Falls

Police Chief: Juan Gurra-Lopez's capture result of citizen report

BLACK RIVER FALLS, Wis. (WKBT) — The Black River Falls Police Department said the suspect who made threats about doing some “slashing” at Walmart has been taken into custody.

According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, Juan Gurra-Lopez made statements Thursday that he wanted to do some “slashing” at Walmart and failed to mention which store he was referring to. Authorities “pinged” his phone near the Walmart in Black River Falls.

Black River Falls Police Chief Patrick LaBarbera said his department has no local charges on Gurra-Lopez.

“The veiled ‘threat’ was made in La Crosse and unspecific in content to my understanding. He was arrested on the warrant and when confronted by police was cooperative with the arrest procedure,” LaBarbera told News 8, adding that authorities in La Crosse may be looking at this further.

“Thanks to all who assisted in his capture which was a result of a citizen report that alerted law enforcement, ” Black River Falls Police Chief Patrick LaBarbera said.

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Authorities in La Crosse and Jackson Counties are looking for a man accused of making threats towards WalMart stores.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department says Juan Gurra-Lopez made statements Thursday that he wanted to do some “slashing” at WalMart and failed to mention which store he was referring to.

La Crosse authorities did have access to Gurra-Lopez’s cell phone and found that his did “ping” near the WalMart in Black River Falls.

Authorities spent several hours in the area Thursday trying to locate him, but were unsuccessful. They’re still trying to find him to determine his intentions.

Gurra-Lopez is also wanted in Monroe Co. for “failure to pay” for possession of marijuana.

Authorities are asking for help in locating Gurra-Lopez.

Black River Falls Police Chief Patrick LaBarbera said he’s known to panhandle at Wal-Mart locations in La Crosse and Jackson counties near intersections.

LaBarbera said he believes this is a matter of public concern and no other threats have come to law enforcement’s attention.

Gurra-Lopez is described as hispanic, 6’0″ and 240 lbs. It’s unknown what he may be wearing or what vehicle he’s driving.

If you see Gurra-Lopez, you’re asked to call 911.