COOLIN — A Bonner County resident arrested Nov. 20 has been charged with assault and arson felonies for an alleged incident that occurred at his Coolin residence.  

Steven Wayne Sennett, 63, is charged with aggravated assault, first degree arson, obstructing a police officer and battery for allegedly striking his landlord with a hammer before setting fire to the inside of his house and other miscellaneous items.

If convicted of the crimes, he could face up to a maximum of 31 years in prison and/or a $151,000 fine. 

Sennett currently resides at the Bonner County Jail on a $250,000 bond.  

Authorities became aware of the alleged crimes after multiple neighbors reported a noise disturbance coming from Sennett’s residence. Court documents indicate Sennett and his landlord were speaking on the property’s lawn before Sennett allegedly struck the man in the head and arm with a hammer, causing visible lacerations. 

Documents suggest that Sennett then allegedly lit household items and appliances on fire in his backyard before barricading himself in his house for four hours, setting clothes and other items ablaze, ultimately causing damage to floorboards and significant smoke damage throughout the house. 

A probable cause affidavit indicates Sennett resisted arrest by allegedly clinching his arms underneath him while officers tried to handcuff him.  

It’s noted in court documents that Sennett suffers from mental health issues.

He is expected to appear in court Dec. 3 for a preliminary hearing, where his defense counsel will be requesting a bond reduction.