Thursday, June 25, 2026
59.0°F

BCSO clarifies status on DUI felon

CHLOE COCHRAN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 weeks AGO
by CHLOE COCHRAN
| June 11, 2026 1:00 AM

BONNERS FERRY — Boundary County Sheriff’s Office said a man guilty of a handful of felony charges will not be transferred to a “community reentry center” due to a pending immigration detainer.  

Officials made the June 9 announcement regarding Jose Gonzalez Luna, 56, after learning that he was being transferred to a “community reentry center” in Idaho Falls. The Idaho Department of Corrections program allows residents to work in the community surrounding the facility. 

After learning of the transfer, Boundary County officials contacted IDOC to express that the transfer is not appropriate, given that Luna was facing an immigration detainer that was established at the time of his September 2025 arrest in Bonners Ferry.  

Luna was arrested near Highland Flats Road after BCSO officials became aware of a crash, where his 2013 GMS Sierra crossed the center line of the road, colliding with a 1987 GMC truck. Luna was found to be at fault due to his high blood-alcohol levels — .345 and .32. As a result of the accident, the woman who was struck by Luna was flown by medical helicopter from the scene and transferred to Seattle to undergo reconstructive surgery.  

Luna was ultimately sentenced to serve 15 years in prison for the crime of aggravated driving under the influence and is expected to serve six of those years before being eligible for parole.  

Before this incident, Luna was found guilty of DUI felonies in March 2025, February 2011 and July 2010, according to court records. 

ARTICLES BY CHLOE COCHRAN

Surveyor contract approved for planning department
June 25, 2026 1 a.m.

Surveyor contract approved for planning department

The Bonner County Planning Department was approved Tuesday to contract with a local surveying company after months of searching for a second surveyor.

Marine Division to follow state waterskiing statute
June 24, 2026 1 a.m.

Marine Division to follow state waterskiing statute

Amid conversation about a proposed amendment to the county’s waterskiing safety regulations to reflect House Bill 887, Bonner County Marine Division officials will regulate waters based on the state regulations until the county can determine if they’re legally allowed to impose stricter guidelines.

County appoints Songstad as hearing examiner
June 25, 2026 1 a.m.

County appoints Songstad as hearing examiner

After months of operating without a hearing examiner, Bonner County commissioners unanimously approved the appointment of Allan Songstad to fill the position during Tuesday’s business meeting.