NEW INFORMATION: Man accused of holding five hostage in Eau Claire apartment pleads not guilty

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) -- The man accused of holding five people hostage for hours in an Eau Claire apartment has pleaded not guilty.

Court records show that James Albrecht, 31, of Eau Claire entered the plea on Thursday. In March, Albrecht had an active warrant from the Department of Corrections. That's when officers say he drove away without paying after filling up his car at a gas station in Dunn County. Police found him in Eau Claire, where they say he drove off again, and nearly hit a squad car. Police eventually stopped him, and say he took off running. They followed him to an apartment building on Hidden Place, where he barricaded himself in an apartment and held the people hostage. Three were children. Hours later, the hostages were released. None were hurt. Albrecht was arrested.

He's due back in court next month.