Bonners Ferry Man arrested for murder on Hwy 95

On April 15, 2021 at around 1 p.m., Victor A. Claus, 55, from Bonners Ferry, was arrested on a warrant for murder. This arrest warrant was a result of the investigation on the fatality vehicle accident that occurred on Highway 95 near milepost 449 on April 13, 2021. The bond for the warrant was set at $1,000,000. A future court date has not been set.

On April 13, 2021 Kootenai County Deputies responded to a report of a multi vehicle accident on Highway 95 near milepost 449. It was reported that a Toyota Tundra traveling northbound, driven by Melyssa L. Schloe, 45, from Sandpoint, crossed the center line and side swiped a motorcycle and another vehicle. The motorcycle rider was not injured. The second vehicle ended up rolling as a result of the impact and the driver, who was identified as Colleen K. Watkins, 64, from Hayden, was transported to Kootenai Health with non-life threatening injuries.

Through the investigation, it was determined that Victor Claus, who was a passenger in the Tundra, allegedly shot Melyssa Schloe, causing her to lose control and cross the center median, striking oncoming traffic. Melyssa was pronounced deceased at the scene. Claus was transported to Kootenai Health for non-life threatening injuries.

KCSO Detectives arrested Claus after he was released from the hospital. He is currently in the Kootenai County Jail on the warrant for murder.