Gorham faces felony charges felony, misdemeanor charges

BONNERS FERRY — John Thomas Gorham, 32, will be arraigned in First District Court next week on various misdemeanor and felony charges, including possession of a controlled substance, driving under the influence and resisting arrest.

The charges stem from a Nov. 16, 2020, arrest and include assault or battery upon personnel, possession of a controlled substance, resisting or obstructing officers, drug paraphernalia and driving under the influence. Arraignment is set for Aug. 18

According to court records, Boundary County Sheriff's Deputy David Wion spotted John Gorham walking from his blue Chevrolet Tahoe to the Conoco gas station on Main Street.

After noticing the gas station doors were locked, Gorham walked back and sat in his vehicle.

Boundary County Deputy David Wion testified Gorham refused to lower his window when he approached to talk to the man and noticed bloodshot eyes and slurred speech.

Bonners Ferry Police Officer Brandon Johnson arrived at the gas station and spoke to Gorham about his “suspicious activity.” Gorham responded by stating he did drink within the last hour.

A short time later, Wion said he noticed Gorham driving to the Super 1. He pulled Gorham and advised him that he was being stopped on a charge of suspicion of driving under the influence.

According to the Wion’s testimony, Gorham refused to hand over proof of registration, insurance and identification to law enforcement, only holding the documents against the window; the deputy testified.

After refusing to comply with a breath sample or standardized field sobriety test, Bonners Ferry Sgt. Willie Cowell arrived and told Gorham he was under arrest. When Gorham refused to get out of the car, Johnson broke the window, and Wion helped to remove him from the vehicle. However, Wion testified that Gorham resisted arrest by pulling away, swinging his arms and kicking his legs.

After warning Gorham, Cowell said he repeatedly used a stun gun with minimal effectiveness. Eventually, he said law enforcement was able to gain control and restrain Gorham.

When Gorham said he had difficulty breathing, he was taken to the Boundary Community Hospital for evaluation, and he was later cleared for booking at the Boundary County Jail.

Johnson and Wion testified that a search of Gorham’s person led to the discovery of a meth pipe and a baggie with a crystal substance, which later tested positive for methamphetamine.

Gorham later tested positive for amphetamines and THC, Johnson testified.