Cd'A PD releases statement regarding downtown events

The Coeur d’Alene Police Department issued a news release and statement Tuesday in advance of two events taking place Saturday in downtown Coeur d’Alene.

Pride in the Park is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Coeur d’Alene City Park, and the Panhandle Patriots Riding Club is holding an event at 3 p.m. at the Avista Pavilion in McEuen Park.

“We encourage everyone to remain respectful of one another and have a safe weekend,” said Police Chief Lee White, in the release.

The police department's release went on to say the agency has fielded many inquiries about the downtown events, and that it would be inappropriate for police representatives to comment about operational strategies or officer deployments.

The police department did provide the following information:

1) The Coeur d’Alene Police Department respects the Constitutional Rights of citizens to peacefully assemble and the right to bear arms.

2) Neither the Coeur d’Alene Police Department nor our law enforcement partners have any verifiable information that groups are coming to our area to engage in riotous conduct. While there have been some videos and posts that may be concerning to some individuals, none of the information we have seen thus far rises to the level of criminal conduct. We understand that the majority of attendees are planning for a peaceful gathering.

3) The Coeur d’Alene Police Department has increased staffing on June 11th in an effort to keep our citizens safe. We strongly encourage the public to call 911 if they witness a criminal act, or report concerning activity to the officers who will be patrolling the area.

4) Criminal activity, to include the following crimes, will be strictly enforced:

• 18-3302B Carrying concealed weapons under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• 18-901 Assault: (a) An unlawful attempt, coupled with apparent ability, to commit a violent injury on the person of another; or (b) An intentional, unlawful threat by word or act to do violence to the person of another, coupled with an apparent ability to do so, and doing some act which creates a well-founded fear in such other person that such violence is imminent.

• 9.22.101 Disturbing the Peace: Every person is guilty of disorderly conduct when that person willfully engages in violent, tumultuous or offensive conduct, or by threatening, traducing, quarreling, or challenging to fight another person, or fights with another person in a public place; or makes noise that is unreasonable, considering the nature of the actor’s conduct, location, time of day or night, and other factors that would govern the conduct of a reasonably prudent person under the circumstances; or engages in violent, noisy or riotous behavior that would be frightening or offensive to a reasonable person who might be expected to be in the vicinity.

• 18-3301 Possession of a deadly weapon with intent to assault. Every person having upon him any deadly weapon with intent to assault another is guilty of a misdemeanor.

• 18-3316 Unlawful possession of a firearm. A person who previously has been convicted of a felony who purchases, owns, possesses or has under his custody or control any firearm shall be guilty of a felony and shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a period of time not to exceed five (5) years and by a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000).