Man arrested by Post Falls police after standoff
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 2 weeks, 1 day AGO
POST FALLS — A 57-year-old man wanted on an outstanding warrant was arrested by Post Falls police Thursday afternoon after he tried to flee and barricaded himself in an apartment.
John Martin was transported to the Kootenai County jail on an outstanding misdemeanor warrant and a felony probation violation warrant. Additional charges, including resisting and obstructing officers, are pending, a press release said.
The incident started when a Post Falls police officer was conducting routine patrol and recognized Martin, who fled into an apartment in the 400 block of East 19th Avenue in Post Falls.
Martin barricaded himself in the apartment.
"Officers could hear Martin moving through the crawl space, where he appeared to be breaking through the firewall into an adjoining apartment," the release said. "During the investigation, officers also learned that Martin was on felony probation. His probation officer was contacted and subsequently authorized the issuance of a felony probation violation warrant."
Due to the circumstances and the potential risk to residents, the Post Falls Police Department Special Response Team was activated. Patrol officers and SRT personnel evacuated the surrounding apartments.
The apartment where Martin was believed to be located was secured and repeated announcements were made directing him to surrender, the release said.
After a period of negotiations and containment, Martin exited the apartment and surrendered to officers without further incident.
"I am extremely proud of our patrol officers and Special Response Team for their professionalism, patience, and commitment to safely resolving this incident," said Post Falls Police Chief Mark Brantl. "Their coordinated efforts ensured the safety of our community while successfully taking a wanted individual into custody."