Hotel Dispute in Rockford Led to Death Threat Against Officer

A Rockford man is facing several charges after police say he threatened to kill an officer and resisted arrest during an incident at a local hotel earlier this month.

According to police, officers were called to the Red Roof Inn on East Street shortly after 6am on May 16th for reports of criminal trespass involving an unregistered guest.  That man was later identified as 42-year-old Leland K. Hoffman.

Hotel Dispute in Rockford Led to Death Threat Against Officer

Police said a hotel employee told officers Hoffman had approached the front desk earlier that morning, made lewd comments and repeatedly asked the employee to come back to his room.  The employee reportedly declined multiple times.  Investigators said Hoffman then allegedly showed the employee a bag and asked if they wanted to use drugs.

Officers went to the room and told Hoffman and the registered guest they needed to leave the property for violating hotel policy.  Police said Hoffman refused several commands to leave and claimed he had paid for the room.

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When officers attempted to arrest him, police said Hoffman resisted by tensing his body, pulling away and pushing against a wall before officers took him to the ground and handcuffed him.  During a search, police allegedly found a pipe with burnt residue and copper mesh in his pocket.

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Police said Hoffman later threatened to kill an officer and the officer's family while being transported to jail and while receiving medical treatment at a local hospital in Rockford.  Hoffman is due back in court on June 25th.

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