Neighbors, Family report suspicious activity, leads to arrest

BONNERS FERRY — Residents of the county helped to apprehend Cory Eccles, 32, on Thursday, April 1, after he evaded police officers on March 30.

According to public information officer Andrew O'Neel, officers pursued Eccles northbound on U.S. 95.

“Officers followed with lights and sirens to provide warning to the public as they followed Eccles north past 3-mile junction,” O’Neel stated.

On the police scanners, law enforcement was heard calling off the pursuit and maintained visual surveillance but eventually lost sight of the suspect.

“Police discontinued the chase once Eccles no longer presented a danger to the public. Charges are pending.” O’Neel stated.

According to resident Brenda Solt, neighbors noticed Eccles walking through family property aimlessly and staking out the homes.

“We witnessed him walking through family property looking aimlessly at the homes surrounding where he was heading.” Solt said, “He attempted to open our cousin's door that we have direct eyesight of.”

Eccles then allegedly continued to trespass and went to the back to enter the door but stopped once Eccles heard a dog barking.

“He seemed like he was going to be heading to the next house until they started questioning why he was on their property,” Solt said.

According to Solt, Eccles continued out the driveway and went across a street into a neighbor’s fields; that was when Solt and others alerted law enforcement of the suspicious person.

The residents kept an eye on Eccles but maintained distance, and at least four people had reported the suspicious activity.

Solt stated after the events Solt found out, Eccles started to intrude on another family's home until their dog scared him right back out the door.

“It probably took law enforcement about 45 minutes to get up there, but we wanted to make sure we didn't lose sight of him either,” Solt said.

Concerned residents waited for law enforcement and, when they arrived, described Eccles and his location. Law enforcement apprehended Eccles, and shortly after, Idaho State Police and other authorities showed up.

“We were informed he was arrested that evening and have not heard any further follow-up,” Solt said.

According to assistant Bonners Ferry police chief Marty Ryan, this was an ideal situation that the community spotted suspicious activity and reported it.

Ryan also stated the hazard that Eccles created for his safety and others, and he hopes Eccles receives the help he needs.