HAUSER LAKE — A trash can bandit is causing a stink in Hauser Lake.

The Kootenai County's Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in finding a suspect in a theft and vandalism on North Hauser Lake Road.

According to a press release, "an unknown suspect ties a rope around the garbage can and drags it down the road with his truck, damaging the garbage can."

The most-recent reported incident occurred shortly before midnight Dec. 25, a day known for giving, not taking.

The suspect is described as a white male and is believed to be driving a two-toned, half-ton Ford or Chevrolet truck, according to the KCSO.

One resident who called The Press said someone has been dragging the trash cans around since early last year.

She said she once spotted him after hearing noise and looking out a window, but could not get a license plate.

She said it has happened several times, but is not always being reported.

KCSO Detective Sgt. Chris Thompson said there was a similar incident in March 2022 in the Hauser area when about 10 trash cans were reportedly taken and damaged.

"In this incident, the reporting party’s trash can was dragged over 1.5 miles away from his residence," Thompson told The Press.

The trash cans were not destroyed and were still usable after being left abandoned in the area of Hauser Lake Road and Burdette Lane.

Thompson said KCSO has not received any tips yet to help identify the suspect.

If you have any information in this case, contact Thompson, 208-446-2128 or [email protected].