Suspect arrested after standoff in jail for third time this month

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

POST FALLS — A 31-year-old Post Falls man who is facing multiple felony charges has been arrested three times this month.

Frank Edward Canavero III, who was being held at the Kootenai County Jail on Friday on a $500,000 bond for obstructing officers, two aggravated assault charges and second-degree stalking, was arrested most recently on Wednesday night after a standoff with officers and a SWAT team at a Post Falls home.

"As a deputy pulled up, (Canavero) was coming out," Post Falls Police Capt. Greg McLean said. "The deputy yelled for him to stop, but he went back inside."

McLean said that due to police alerts on Canavero based on his criminal history, the Post Falls/Rathdrum police SWAT unit was called to the home in the 1700 block of West Nesqually Avenue around 10 p.m.

"The SWAT team was able to get a hold (of a relative of Canavero), who then got a hold of him," McLean said. "He walked out peacefully with his hands up after about 45 minutes."

McLean said police were involved in the incident for more than three hours, but the SWAT team was on scene for about 45 minutes.

Amy Bauer wrote on social media that she had a front-row seat of the situation from her home.

"We were very impressed with the patience of the police," she said. "They remained far more patient for over three hours of repeating the same instructions over and over than I am after three minutes of repeating directions to my kids."

Canavero was also arrested by a Post Falls officer on Jan. 15 at a fitness facility in Post Falls on a $100,000 warrant issued by Rathdrum Police for first-degree stalking and attempted burglary.

Canavero, also accused of violating a no-contact order, posted bond the next day to be released from jail.

Court records show Canavero on camera at the alleged victim’s home earlier this month in Rathdrum despite the no-contact order. A witness also told police Canavero attempted to gain access to the home through windows.

Canavero was also arrested on Jan. 1 for stalking and aggravated assault after he allegedly followed the alleged victim in a vehicle and attempted to force the person off the road. He posted $15,000 bond the next day.