Saturday, September 26, 2026
41.0°F

Wanted man arrested on multiple warrants

KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 years, 4 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. | May 14, 2021 1:00 AM

COEUR d’ALENE — Police arrested a man who was wanted on multiple warrants for allegedly violating the terms of his probation.

Merrill C. Smith, 32, of Coeur d’Alene, is being held on a total of $75,000 bail.

Smith pleaded guilty in accordance with Alford to domestic battery, a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of six months in jail, in October 2018.

The charge stemmed from a month prior, when Smith allegedly threatened his girlfriend with a knife during an argument.

By entering an Alford plea, Smith did not admit guilt but acknowledged there was enough evidence to convict him if the case went to trial.

Judge Robert Burton sentenced Smith to 180 days in jail and placed him on unsupervised probation for two years.

In a separate case, Smith also pleaded guilty to excessive DUI in October 2018.

Excessive DUI refers to a blood alcohol level of 0.2 or higher. Smith was reportedly arrested after giving breath samples of 0.30 and 0.27.

In lieu of jail time, Smith was sentenced to the Sheriff’s Labor Program and placed on supervised probation for two years. His license was also suspended for one year.

In January 2019, Smith was charged with driving under the influence, driving with a suspended license and violating the terms of his probation.

Smith reportedly failed to appear for a probation appointment and failed to appear in court in July 2020.

He also reportedly failed to complete his shifts in the Sheriff’s Labor Program.

A total of three $25,000 warrants were issued for Smith’s arrest.

Kootenai County Sheriff’s deputies took Smith into custody Wednesday.

Smith must spend 14 days in jail for failing to complete the Sheriff’s Labor Program before he can post bail.

ARTICLES BY KAYE THORNBRUGH

Prosecutor condemns threatening comments
September 26, 2026 1:09 a.m.

Prosecutor condemns threatening comments

After press release sparks outcry, Mortensen shares insight

After a news release about the outcome of a criminal case sparked outcry this week, Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney Stan Mortensen said he aims to inform the public through the information he publishes, not fan the flames of anger.

No serious injuries after car drives off Resort parking garage
September 25, 2026 3:23 p.m.

No serious injuries after car drives off Resort parking garage

No serious injuries were reported Friday afternoon after an occupied vehicle drove off the third level of the Coeur d'Alene Resort parking garage, according to authorities.

KCRCC addresses investigation into Prop 1 signers
September 25, 2026 1:09 a.m.

KCRCC addresses investigation into Prop 1 signers

Details under wraps after lengthy meeting

In a tense meeting that stretched past midnight this week, the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee discussed an investigation into members who signed to qualify a proposed abortion-rights initiative for the November ballot.