Dispute ends in gunfire

A Bonners Ferry man free on $25,000 bond after a dispute between neighbors ended in gunfire. 

Terry Bodenhamer was charged with aggravated assault, after the 64-year-old allegedly  fired a shot on Aug. 6 at neighbor Michael Pintler on Pleasant Valley Loop Road.

Bodenhamer relinquished all of his firearms to Boundary County sheriff’s deputies in the bond agreement.

According to court records, a verbal altercation erupted between the neighbors after Pintler and his wife went outside to check on their children who were riding four-wheelers.  The Pintlers  heard Bodenhamer yelling at their children.  

The Pintlers went to where their kids were riding, which is near an easement the neighbors share near the head of Bodenhamer’s driveway.

Pintler admitted to  yelling at Bodenhamer in an aggressive tone and told Boundary County sheriff’s deputies that Bodenhamer said, “we’ll see about that, I’ll take care of you.” 

Pintler told deputies that Bodenhamer then entered his garage and emerged with a gun and pointed it at Pintler firing one time.   Pintler said there was about 50 yards between the men when the shot was fired. 

Pintler’s wife also witnessed the shooting and gave her statement to sheriff deputies.

Pintler’s family hid in the house, unaware of Bodenhamer’s whereabouts after he fired the shot from the .45 caliber pistol.

Bodenhamer told deputies that he did not fire his gun at Pintler, but into the grass of Pintler’s front yard to scare him because Pintler allegedly threatened to hurt Bodenhamer. 

According to court records, deputies said they could not find signs of a bullet being fired into the grass and the bullet should have easily been seen if it happened the way Bodenhamer described.

Bodenhamer’s wife did not witness the shooting but told sheriff deputies she did hear the shot.

Bodenhamer’s gun was recovered from under the drivers side of his truck and taken  by deputies.

According to court documents, there has been a history of conflicts between the neighbors.  

Bonners Ferry police reportedly responded when Bodenhamer was assaulted by Pintler at Boundary Trading Co. and deputies have responded to several disturbing the peace incidents between the neighbors.

Bodenhamer is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at 1:30 p.m. Friday,  Aug., 14 at Boundary County courthouse.