SANDPOINT — An Athol man is being held at the Bonner County Jail on charges of third-degree arson and grand theft, among other things. He is expected to appear in court in February after a Dec. 31 arraignment was continued.  

Kevin Allen Edwards, 37, is charged with third-degree arson, attempted third-degree arson, eluding a police officer, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, burglary and attempted grand theft.  

Edwards is currently being held at the Bonner County Jail. While he was originally held on a $600,000 bond in October, the bond was reduced to $40,000 on Dec. 5.  

Court records show that he has a history of theft and drug paraphernalia charges in both Bonner and Kootenai counties. His most recent case — which was ultimately dismissed by the prosecutor's motion — included three felony burglary charges related to the alleged theft of numerous items from an Athol shop on multiple occasions.  

In the current case, court documents indicate that Bonner County Sheriff’s Office personnel became aware of Edwards’ alleged crimes while investigating several arson incidents in Athol, which were believed to be caused by flares.  

Officials contend that Edwards was in a vehicle that was parked on the side of the road near the incident, “appearing suspicious” when law enforcement questioned him. Documents said that he would not show his face, eventually covering it up and driving away from the officer when dispatch notified the officer that Edwards was linked to the vehicle.  

Edwards allegedly fled from the scene, ignoring verbal and visual signals requesting that he pull over. When law enforcement was able to catch up to Edwards, noting that dust limited their scope of view, they found the vehicle had been abandoned and Edwards had fled the scene on foot.  

After a search warrant was granted, officials located stolen items throughout the vehicle, in addition to marijuana and drug paraphernalia.  

Documents allege that Edwards was later found at the residence of the individual whom he was accused of burglarizing in April 2025.  

Edwards was arrested approximately two months later in Kootenai County and transferred to Bonner County custody.