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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Bartender Makes Citizen’s Arrest

From Staff And Wire Reports

An Athol bartender made a citizen’s arrest of a Hayden Lake man who allegedly grabbed and threatened her Monday night.

Jerry Don Harris, 49, was booked into the Kootenai County Jail for investigation of battery. Bail was set at $300.

Bartender Barbara Sue Taylor, 35, of Careywood, told investigators she was motioning with her arm while talking with a friend at Bettie’s Bar, in Athol.

Her hand reportedly struck Harris, who was walking by. Taylor told the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department that she started to apologize, but that Harris became angry and grabbed her wrist. He allegedly threatened to get a gun and shoot her. A friend of Taylor’s told Harris to leave. He did.

Later, the sheriff’s office said, Harris returned to the bar. Deputies, alerted by an anonymous phone tip, were waiting. They found a .357 Magnum revolver lying loaded on the seat of Harris’ truck. Taylor made a citizen’s arrest of Harris.

Sheriff’s Lt. Ben Wolfinger said citizen’s arrests are often used if a person allegedly committed a misdemeanor that police didn’t see. Taylor must then make a report to the county prosecutor, Wolfinger said.