Parolee arrested with pound of pot
KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 years, 1 month AGO
Townsend
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. | September 10, 2021 1:00 AM
COEUR d’ALENE — A man is being held on $100,000 bail after he allegedly almost T-boned an off-duty police officer while carrying more than a pound of pot in his truck.
Richard C. Townsend, 35, is charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession with intent to deliver, both felonies.
He’s also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and obstructing officers, both misdemeanors.
Prosecutors also filed a persistent violator enhancement.
Idaho State Police responded Monday morning to a report that a truck was running red lights on U.S. 95.
The driver, later identified as Townsend, allegedly almost T-boned an off-duty Post Falls police officer before pulling into a parking lot.
When contacted by police, Townsend allegedly acknowledged there was a meth pipe in his vehicle, prompting a search.
Police said they found drug paraphernalia inside the truck, as well as about 1.2 pounds of marijuana in numerous containers and plastic baggies.
After police arrested Townsend, he allegedly used his feet to prevent officers from closing the rear door of the patrol vehicle.
Townsend has previous felony convictions in Idaho and California for drug possession, burglary and taking a motor vehicle without permission.
He was reportedly on parole for aggravated battery and possession of a controlled substance out of Bonner County. The convictions occurred in 2017.
Prosecutors said in court that Townsend poses a danger to the public and an additional felony charge is pending.
Judge Timothy Van Valin ordered that Townsend be held on $100,000 bail.
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