Wednesday, October 21, 2026
32.0°F

Boy arrested after scaring patrons in restaurant

RALPH BARTHOLDT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 years, 8 months AGO
by RALPH BARTHOLDT
Staff Writer | February 19, 2020 1:00 AM

COEUR d’ALENE — A 15-year-old wearing a bulletproof vest frightened visitors Friday evening at Tito’s in The Plaza Shops. The boy was taken into custody by Coeur d’Alene Police for disturbing the peace.

“The juvenile donned a bulletproof vest and made statements that concerned staff and patrons at the restaurant,” police department spokesman Mario Rios said.

Disturbing the peace is a misdemeanor. A new law prevents police from making a misdemeanor arrest if they do not witness an incident. It’s up to a citizen to tell police to arrest an individual they think broke the law.

The teenager was arrested around 8:15 p.m. and transported to the Kootenai County Juvenile Detention facility.

Police said the teen didn’t have weapons and didn’t threaten anyone, but some of his statements alarmed witnesses.

“Although his demeanor was odd and his statements were not threatening he caused reasonable fear to the patrons,” Rios said.

One of the things the teen said, was, “Should I do it?” Rios said.

The teen’s name has not been released.

Social media reports indicate that witnesses thought the juvenile may be making a bomb threat.

Maximum detention for most juvenile status offenses, is 30 days, and 90 days for misdemeanors depending on a judge’s decision.

Juvenile Court usually focuses less on punishment than other options such as education and community service.

ARTICLES BY RALPH BARTHOLDT

Idaho child marriage bill fails
March 5, 2019 12:03 p.m.

Idaho child marriage bill fails

BOISE – The Idaho House has quashed a bill that would have prohibited children under 16 from getting married.

Doctor receives prison sentence
November 30, 2017 10:51 a.m.

Doctor receives prison sentence

COEUR d’ALENE — A Silver Valley physician who was found guilty of more than 60 counts of illegally dispensing opiates will serve 16 years in prison, a federal judge ruled Wednesday in Coeur d’Alene.

March 4, 2020 12:54 p.m.

Norris endorsed by deputy sheriff's association

Sheriff candidate Robert Norris got the endorsement late Friday from the Kootenai County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, which passed over a captain in its own ranks to endorse Norris.