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Woman arrested on battery, assault

CHLOE COCHRAN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 weeks, 3 days AGO
by CHLOE COCHRAN
| September 30, 2026 1:00 AM

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint woman is facing multiple felonies and a misdemeanor charge after being accused of assaulting a victim and stealing his loaded pistol.  

Vanessa Stailey, 38, was arrested Sept. 25 and charged with two counts of aggravated assault, one count of battery and one count of grand theft, all felonies. She also faces a misdemeanor charge of malicious injury to property. Due to prior substance abuse convictions, if found guilty of the above penalties, Stailey could face enhanced penalties.  

She currently resides at the Bonner County Jail on a $250,000 bail.  

Due to several prior convictions of substance abuse and accusations of battery and robbery in Washington, a high bail was ordered in the case.  

According to court documents, Stailey's defense attorney is expected to request a bond reduction at an upcoming preliminary hearing. 

Stailey is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 7 for a preliminary hearing, where a judge will determine if there is sufficient evidence to charge her with the felonies.  

Bonner County Sheriff's Office became aware of the alleged crimes by way of a 911 call, where nearby individuals attested that Stailey had assaulted the victim.  

Court documents indicate that the victim had several cuts and scratches, along with several gashes. Reports suggest that Stailey was helping the man move when the alleged altercations took place.  

The altercation, according to an affidavit of probable cause, started with Stailey swinging a hatchet, ending with her hitting the victim, stealing his loaded pistol, and pointing it at him before getting in her vehicle and running into his vehicle multiple times before driving away.  


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