SPD investigating fatal shooting
CAROLINE LOBSINGER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 years, 8 months AGO
I grew up in the Tri-Cities, Wash., and have always loved to write. I attended the University of Washington, where I earned a double major in journalism and political science, with an area of emphasis in history. I am the fifth out of six kids — don't believe any of the stories that my siblings tell. To be able to tell others stories and take photos for a living is a dream come true — and I considered myself blessed to be a community journalist. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, hiking and spending time outdoors, genealogy, reading, and watching the UW Huskies and the Seattle Seahawks. I am a servant to my cat, Frankie, who yes, will eat anything and everything in sight … even wedding cookies. | August 7, 2018 1:00 AM
SANDPOINT — A person was shot and killed Monday evening at a local motel, according to Sandpoint Police.
The male victim was transported to Bonner General Health in Sandpoint with a gunshot wound to the chest, where he succumbed to his injuries. The victim’s identity is being withheld until his family is notified.
No additional details on the victim — or what led to the shooting — were available at press time.
The suspect, who was still at large as of 11 p.m., was described as a darker-skinned male, 20-40 years old, between 5-foot, 6-inches and 6 feet in height with short hair. He was last seen wearing a light blue T-shirt and tan shorts.
Following the shooting, the suspect fled on foot. He is still at large and is considered armed and dangerous.
According to police, the shooting happened about 7 p.m. at the Meandering Moose, 312 Marion Ave., Sandpoint. Following the shooting, a spotlight was set up around the area of the Meandering Moose to help in the search and crime scene tape around the motel as well.
Police were seen searching the neighborhood and area immediately around the motel as well as part of their investigation.
Sandpoint Detectives are on scene collecting and processing evidence. If anyone saw anything suspicious in that area or has any information that may assist Sandpoint Police in the investigation, they are asked to contact Bonner Dispatch immediately at 208-265-5525.
The shooting folllows a March incident in which Sandpoint Police shot and killed Brandon Kuhlman after he opened fire on them without provocation. Officers Eric Clark and Mike Hutter were injured in the shooting — Clark was shot in the neck and left hand and Hutter sustained a gunshot injury to his chest and leg during the March 5 incident
The Kootenai County Prosecutor Barry McHugh cleared the Sandpoint officers, saying they faced a very dangerous situation and “responded appropriately to protect themselves and Mr. Crawford (the caller), and end the potentially deadly confrontation.”
In September 2017, two teens flyfishing on the Priest River were caught by gunfire when someone opened fire on the scooter they rode to the fishing spot off West Settlement Road. One of the teens — a 13-year-old male — was shot in the right leg by the gunfire. He was treated at Newport Community Hospital and released.
The suspects were later identified as Eric R. Wood and Leo Michael Inwood. In a recent court hearing, a judge ruled there was sufficient evidence to charge Inwood with injuring another by discharging of an aimed firearm, a misdemeanor. Julian also found there was sufficient evidence to try Inwood on a felony count of evidence concealment for hiding a .357-caliber pistol and a 12-guage shotgun immediately after the shooting so they would not fall into the hands of investigators.
Caroline Lobsingercan be reached by email at clobsinger@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @CarolDaiyBee.
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