Friday, October 16, 2026
39.0°F

Accused stalker bound over on felony charges

KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years, 10 months AGO
by KAYE THORNBRUGH
Kaye Thornbrugh is a second-generation Kootenai County resident who has been with the Coeur d’Alene Press for six years. She primarily covers Kootenai County’s government, as well as law enforcement, the legal system and North Idaho College. | December 1, 2021 1:00 AM

RATHDRUM — The case of an accused stalker who was arrested after a five-hour standoff with police will move forward.

Leroy S. Wilske, 46, of Rathdrum, is charged with burglary and first-degree stalking, both felonies, and with petite theft, a misdemeanor.

After a preliminary hearing Friday, Magistrate Judge Mayli Walsh ruled that enough evidence exists to bind the case over to district court.

The charges stem from October, when a woman who has an active protective order against Wilske told police he entered her home and stole several items, including multiple pieces of lingerie.

The woman said she spotted Wilske on a hillside near her residence and chased him to his car. He then allegedly drove off.

Based on evidence observed at the scene, police said they believed Wilske had been watching the woman from the woods surrounding her home.

Wilske has allegedly violated the protection order numerous times by attempting to contact the woman via social media, as well as by sending her threatening text messages and explicit photos.

“It made me feel scared, frightened and upset,” the woman said in court Friday.

First District Judge Ross Pittman issued a $250,000 warrant for Wilske’s arrest last month.

A Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office deputy reportedly spotted Wilske in a vehicle outside a Rathdrum residence Oct. 28. Wilske then entered the home, police said.

Law enforcement reportedly made multiple attempts to communicate with Wilske, who barricaded himself inside the residence.

It was 9 p.m. when the Kootenai County Joint Agency SWAT team arrived at the scene.

Minutes later, Wilske was taken into custody.

He has reportedly been arrested 22 times in Kootenai County for drug and alcohol offenses.

He has three other pending criminal cases, according to court documents, for stalking, violating a protection order and driving under the influence.

Wilske remains in jail.

ARTICLES BY KAYE THORNBRUGH

Stateline shooter pleads guilty to manslaughter
October 16, 2026 1 a.m.

Stateline shooter pleads guilty to manslaughter

A DoorDash driver who fatally shot a pedestrian during a road rage incident near Stateline Speedway has pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, though whether a judge will accept the pretrial settlement offer in the case remains to be seen.

Stateline shooter pleads guilty to manslaughter
October 16, 2026 1:09 a.m.

Stateline shooter pleads guilty to manslaughter

Prosecutors originally charged Edsel Johnson with first-degree murder

A DoorDash driver who fatally shot a pedestrian during a road rage incident near Stateline Speedway has pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, though whether a judge will accept the pretrial settlement offer in the case remains to be seen.

Kootenai County history revealed
October 15, 2026 1:08 a.m.

Kootenai County history revealed

Community members get close-up look at time capsule contents

Liz Boutin is no stranger to historical artifacts. A museum professional and fine artist, Boutin said she's handled Egyptian and Greek items that date back to antiquity. But she had a new experience this summer, after local historical preservationists retrieved a 100-year time capsule from inside the outer wall of the old Kootenai County courthouse.