Sheriff’s Deputy Files Claim Against Officials

A sheriff’s deputy, wounded in a November gunfight, has filed a tort claim against the Bonner County commissioners, prosecutor and sheriff.

John Givens, 36, said the county has failed to hire enough deputies or buy the necessary equipment - such as vehicles, weapons and radios - to protect on-duty officers.

The claim also charged Prosecutor Tevis Hull has failed to do his duty by not filing charges against Reyham Higgins, the man who wounded Givens in the shootout.

Higgins was arrested but set free after Hull failed to file charges in a timely manner. Hull has said shooting is still under investigation.

Sheriff Chip Roos defended the commissioners and his department. The county has spent money on new patrol cars, radios and weapons and has hired more deputies the last few years.

“I think being well-equipped in this (shooting) situation was a plus for Givens, not a negative,” Roos said, adding that backup officers were at the scene with Givens and a bulletproof vest likely saved the deputy’s life.

Givens said he didn’t file the claim to get money but to improve unsafe working conditions at the Sheriff’s Department. , DataTimes