ATHOL, Idaho — A man was arrested following a standoff that created a shelter-in-place advisory in Athol.
Kootenai County Sheriff detectives served a search warrant related to a narcotics investigation at a home on East Bertsch Avenue in Athol.
Detectives saw James E. Spencer, 55, inside the trailer. The Sheriff’s Office says Spencer had active arrest warrants and refused to exit the residence.
Due to Spencer barricading himself inside, the SWAT team was called to assist.
A shelter-in-place advisory was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
After a brief standoff, Spencer exited the residence and was taken into custody on his outstanding warrants.
Detectives said they found methamphetamine and items consistent with illegal drug dealing inside the trailer. Additional charges are pending as the investigation continues.
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