Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Early Morning Pursuit in Coeur d'Alene with a Stolen Car Leads to an Extensive Manhunt

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho – On April 19, 2016 at just before 7:00 AM, an Idaho State Police Trooper attempted to stop a stolen 2004 Kia Rio on I-90 that triggered the BOSS system. The suspect refused to stop and a pursuit ensued.

The suspect drove southbound on US 95 from I-90 to the Mica grade, about 8 miles south of Coeur d’Alene. Initial investigation revealed that the suspect intentionally rammed the trooper’s vehicle. Additionally, after the trooper’s car was hit, there were reports that at least one gunshot was fired. At this time, investigators are looking into whether the shot(s) was fired from the trooper, the suspect or both.

The pursuit then went north on US 95 to Cougar Gulch Road. The suspect abandoned the stolen car in the 5000 block of Cougar Gulch Road and fled into the thickly treed area to the south.

An extensive manhunt was started and involved several local and federal agencies, to include the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho State Police, Coeur d’Alene Police, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office (Air 1), and several members of the North Idaho Violent Crimes Task Force.

The Region 1 Critical Incident Response Team was requested to investigate the incident with the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office taking the lead.

Cougar Gulch Road and Meadowbrook Loop are restricted to local residents during the search which has lasted more than six hours. Searchers have been unsuccessful in locating the suspect. He was described as a male, possibly in his 30’s, wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt. If anyone has information regarding this incident, they are asked to contact the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office at (208)446-1300. Law enforcement will remain in the area throughout the day and evening.

Residents in the area of Cougar Gulch as well as travelers in the area are cautioned to be on the lookout for the suspect. If anyone sees a suspicious person, please report it.