Spokane7
59°
January 1, 2012 in City, Idaho
Assault suspect out on bond kills self during police chase
A North Idaho man out of jail on bond for allegedly trying to light his wife on fire shot himself to death late Saturday during a police chase.
Deputies caught up with Daniel Joe Zehm’s car on Fernan Lake Road after relatives called just before 11 p.m. and said he had his estranged wife, Sondra Zehm, and a gun and was heading toward Kellogg, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department.
Zehm, 52, fled toward Coeur d’Aene when deputies tried to stop him, officials said. Sondra Zehm, 58, jumped out of the moving car but did not need medical attention.
State troopers and Coeur d’Alene police joined the pursuit, and Zehm’s front tires were flattened by a spike device near Fernan Village. He fatally shot himself as he drove under the Interstate 90 overpass into Coeur d’Alene, sheriff’s officials said.
The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office will investigate the incident because of the involvement of the three North Idaho law enforcement agencies
Zehm, of Dalton Gardens, was arrested in November after police said he doused his wife with gasoline and tried to light her on fire. He was released from jail on $200,000 bond for felony charges of burglary and aggravated battery, and was prohibited from contacting his wife.
Dale Zehm, cousin of Otto Zehm, who died after a confrontation with Spokane police in 2006, said he doesn’t know Daniel Zehm and doesn’t believe they are related.
“If he is, he’s a very distant cousin,” Dale Zehm said.
Two home-invasion robberies reported 
reservedparking on January 01 at 2:50 p.m.
So. The question must be asked: Any relation to Otto?
And I await some of the predictable postings relating to Spokane LEO’s having a hand in investigating the death of a man named Zehm.
I predict I won’t have to wait too long.
force_vector on January 01 at 2:59 p.m.
Seeing his photo is making my new years resolution of being more mature very hard to maintain…
lewis8457 on January 01 at 4:02 p.m.
isn’t the picture of his wife doesn’t look like a man…..
Ed Byrnes on January 01 at 5:39 p.m.
@generallyspeaking:
Where in this article does it state that any of these people are related to the victim of the violent homicide committed in October of 2006?
Homicide is the word used in the autopsy report.
Were you drinking with Bradley Thoma when you posted to this forum?
One of the good things about the new year is that during this first month of 2012 a former SPD officer who is a convicted violent felon and who resigned in disgrace will be sentenced to a federal prison term, where he can rightfully join the ranks of other violent offenders.
Ed Byrnes
valleyman on January 01 at 5:41 p.m.
Daniel Zehm was Otto Zehm’s cousin…
@generallyspeaking: I’ve not been supportive of those who think Karl Thompson did the right thing - and now I know why… Thompson overreacted. Your comments are demeaning, degrading, and show you to lack common sense and decency. I can understand that there are those who will support the police at all costs, but these people cheapen our brave men and women who do wear the uniform.
I will continue to speak out for those who do the right thing and who do right by the laws - and this means I will continue to support 99.9% of the police and their actions. I cannot in good conscience support Thompson. The fact that you do, and blame Zehm for Thompson’s abject failure to act reasonably and according to his training proves you cannot be reasonable or objective.
Thank you to the C’dA law enforcement agencies for pursuing this man and for working to save his estranged wife’s life. Shame on you generallyspeaking.
DeadHandsofChe on January 01 at 5:44 p.m.
KREM is reporting that this guy is the cousin of Otto Zehm.
http://www.krem.com/news/CousinofOttoZehmkillshimselfduringmultiagencypolicechase.html
brianrbreen on January 01 at 5:50 p.m.
@Valleyman
You realize of course that if anyone were to find out you and I are cousins it might be necessary for you to move to Mozambique. :)
The same for you Ed. :)
valleyman on January 01 at 5:55 p.m.
I guess I thought my additional comments would have clarified that I felt the relationship was of no importance. I think we all have a family member or two we’d like to hide in a dark corner, and Daniel Zehm was clearly that person…
But agreed… If we are related, I’m not sure Mozambique is far enough…
brianrbreen on January 01 at 6:01 p.m.
@Valleyman
I got your comment…and mine was of course to demonstrate the same point you were making.
You might try the Feds. They have a program. :)
Al_Loysius on January 01 at 6:23 p.m.
Granted, mug shots are not flattering, but there does seem to be a little facial resemblance with the photo of Otto the SR uses. KXLY also says he was a cousin. Not hard to figure. There can’t be that many Zehms in this corner of the world. By the way,I am just pointing out the odd coincidences of life here, not some sociological or criminological analysis.
addyh on January 01 at 7:01 p.m.
Here’s what we know: Otto Zehm’s cousin Dale Zehm says he doesn’t know Daniel Zehm and doesn’t believe they are related.
D Statler on January 01 at 7:16 p.m.
@ valleyman, For what it is worth to you. I admire your first post and couldn’t agree with you more. ThankYou, my feelings EXACTLY !!
valleyman on January 01 at 7:23 p.m.
Addy,
Thank you for your information. Apparently the Spokesman is the only news outlet in Spokane that has decided Zehm is not related. KREM and KXLY are both reporting the cousin relationship. Additionally, it’s not like Zehm is that common a name… And there is more than a little resemblance in the photo to Otto Zehm…
I’d be interested in knowing what the truth is here…
valleyman on January 01 at 7:24 p.m.
@D Statler: Thanks.
meghannc on January 01 at 7:44 p.m.
@valleyman, Otto’s cousin, Dale Zehm, (his aunt is Otto’s mother) has never heard of Daniel and has contacted his relatives in the area, all of whom do not know Daniel. Watchful readers will notice a comment on the KXLY story from a Brandon Zehm, who lives in California, is from southern Idaho and identifies himself as a family member of Daniel.
I don’t know what the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department has actually said about the relationship today, but when I spoke with Major Ben Wolfinger after Daniel’s arrest in November, Wolfinger said he’d heard Daniel might be Otto’s cousin but didn’t know for sure and certainly couldn’t confirm.
BlondeSquawker on January 01 at 7:46 p.m.
So what if he is related? Officer Davida Zinkgraf (big KTK supporter) appears to be related to a bunch of nere de wells logged in the Idaho Court Repository files. Is she guilty of her relations’ wrong-doing?
Wasn’t it she who said Otto deserved to die because he was related to these n. Idaho Zehm’s?
Go ahead, look for yourselves. PUnch in the last name “Zinkgraf”
https://www.idcourts.us/repository/start.do
lewis8457 on January 01 at 8:49 p.m.
generallyspeaking we all have a odd egg in our families does not mean it gives the police the right to pick one of them out and kill them, your comment is showing your true colors. oink oink oink
why don’t you piglets ever use your real names?
valleyman it must be the meds the doc has me on but you have been making sense lately thank you for admitting a cop can make a mistake..
valleyman on January 01 at 9:10 p.m.
@lewis: I’ve never believed police can’t make mistakes. They are human, so it follows that mistakes will happen. Unfortunately, mistakes a police officer makes are often magnified because of the nature of what they do.
I find it most unfortunate when people begin calling for a pound of flesh simply because a police officer was involved.
The Zehm case gave me a slightly different perspective on things, and while I will admit I was one of those calling for cooler heads and asking for people to stop saying the horrible things they were about Thompson and before he was convicted; the justice system has now spoken, and as a supporter of our laws, I am now satisfied.
I know you, and others have felt I always jump to defend law enforcement, and that is usually the case. But you will find that when the chips are down and our system has been allowed to work, I will be the first to call a bad officer a bad officer.
The only thing I ask in return is that when something comes out, take a couple of breaths before popping off about how this must be just another case of police this or police that. Despite people like Thompson, and those who continue to have his back, there are many… many good men and women in law enforcement like the young park ranger who died in the line of duty in Rainier today. They deserve our praise, our protection, and our benefit of the doubt. If they are rotten, they will end up like Thompson. We must have faith.
valleyman on January 01 at 9:22 p.m.
Addy,
I appreciate what Dale Zehm apparently told the Spokesman, however…
From KREM: “Wolfinger said that Daniel Zehm is a cousin of Otto Zehm, a mentally disabled janitor who was beaten by police officers in a Spokane convenience store and later died in 2006.”
From KXLY: “Sheriff deputies also confirmed to us that Daniel was the cousin of the late Otto Zehm who died in a deadly confrontation with police back in 2006.”
And I still can’t help but note a very strong familial resemblance in the photos…
Somewhere, something isn’t yet adding up…
bdr on January 01 at 10:22 p.m.
Holy mackerel doesn’t anyone carry a lucky rabbits foot in their pockets anymore?
Seems this Zehm family is very depressed/and failed to heed any police or laws. (whats up with that?)
greenlibertarian on January 01 at 10:59 p.m.
bdr on January 01 at 10:22 p.m.
Holy mackerel doesn’t anyone carry a lucky rabbits foot in their pockets anymore?
Seems this Zehm family is very depressed/and failed to heed any police or laws. (whats up with that?)
Ignorantly prevaricate, much by casting aspersion? I thought so.
Slightlyworried on January 01 at 11:34 p.m.
@bdr
There was no evidence that Otto was depressed. And there was no evidence that he failed to obey any police instructions. In fact, the evidence at the trial was to the complete contrary. He was a happy go lucky guy that was always smiling. He entered the store to buy a 2 liter bottle of Pepsi and a Snickers bar. Thompson entered the store walked around a display rack and said somthing to Otto. According to the videotape it was 2.2 seconds between the time Otto began to turn his head to look at Thompson and the time the first savage, unprovoked blow cracked his skull.
And yes I know, all the 505 Kool Aid drinkers say that Otto disobeyed Thompson, took a boxing stance, and swung at Thompson. There is only one little problem with their fabricated story: none of it happened according to the unbiased videotape. Yet, the 505 Kool Aid drinkers continue to stick to their story despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
At some point you people have to put down the Kool Aid. Slandering Otto is not helping your cause.
nslopeofw on January 01 at 11:46 p.m.
If generalyspeaking isnt a cop, then (s)he is a badge bunny. No other explanation. Either one of the 50 saluters, or someone who would like to be bedded by the 50 saluters.
Slightlyworried on January 01 at 11:55 p.m.
There is one benefit to the 505 Kool Aid drinkers slandering Otto: the judge can give additional time to Thompson for failing to take responsibility for his actions at his sentencing.
What a dilema for Thompson: (a) continue denying what’s on the videotape and get additional time, or (b) admit that Otto never took a boxing stance and confuse the hell out of 505 100% 24/7 crowd.
In the end the dilema is completely Thompson’s fault.
greenlibertarian on January 01 at 11:57 p.m.
Agreed, nslopeofw.
Slightlyworried on January 01 at 11:58 p.m.
@nslopeofw:
I understand her favorite flavor of 505 Kool Aid is “Otto Took A Boxing Stance.” Although rumor has it that she likes the new “Jury Misconduct” flavor as well.
nslopeofw on January 02 at 12:01 a.m.
Dont forget the very real possibility that ole Karl may start telling the truth against his buddies, when presented with reductions in sentencing for “playing ball” while his ex-peers get investigated by the feds.
I bet there are a lot of his ex-peers dropping by thru the holidays to make sure he is still on their sides………
greenlibertarian on January 02 at 12:05 a.m.
General formula at sentencing? Defendant Remorse, 25%+ bonus, (LESS TIME) Defendant neutrality? Standard guideline. Defendant defiant? MAX SENTENCED AND AFFIRMED.
Attitude matters.
Slightlyworried on January 02 at 12:05 a.m.
I wouldn’t mind Karl only doing a couple of years if he gave up Moses and the others. What a hoot!
nslopeofw on January 02 at 12:09 a.m.
I wonder if Karl’s attitude has changed while sitting at home with the fam, thinking about the next 6-8 years with a new roomy who was put away by an LEO, and doesnt think one is gay if he pays the “boy”.
Sunshinegurl on January 02 at 12:10 a.m.
@valleyman, I’m not sure it matters if they are cousins, I have cousins I’ve never met and know nothing about their life. I also have a strong resemblance to a cousin that I have been mistaken for more than once and I’ve talked to her maybe three ot four times in the last twenty years. The only time being a cousin matters is when you hit the lottery or you’re getting married.
This story is another sad reminder that we need to find a better way to handle DV. Too many people are put at risk when we don’t take family violence more seriously. If this guy had poured gas on a total stranger I doubt he’d be out.
nslopeofw on January 02 at 12:28 a.m.
that would be “plays” the boy
Slightlyworried on January 02 at 12:34 a.m.
If Thompson tells the truth at sentencing and throws Moses and the others under the bus (where they belong) will he have to give back the 505 bracelet money?
Davida on January 02 at 5:34 a.m.
@BlondeSquawker….not sure how you bring me into this article….Has nothing to do with me….and hate to break it to ya….Not related to any of those Zinkgraf’s you say I am….You might want to note that there are two seperate Zinkgraf families in the Spokane area, who are not related….just a little fyi for ya…
brianrbreen on January 02 at 7:40 a.m.
I could be mistaken but I believe that in order to get the 25 percent sentencing reduction the defendant must plead guilty, admit guilt and demonstrate remorse. Something, that did not happen in this case. A lawyer more familiar with the Federal Sentencing Guidelines would be able to correct me on that.
BlondeSquawker on January 02 at 8:21 a.m.
Oh, I doubt that you are not related to any of those people, Zinky. I don’t think you should be punished for sharing the same last name, however. BTW, howz yer buddy Karl The Klubber holding up?
BlondeSquawker on January 02 at 8:25 a.m.
Ha ha! We forced the closure of their KK fb page! Now they think they can profile us behind our backs. Lol. Oooohhhhh, I’m scared!
BlondeSquawker on January 02 at 9:47 a.m.
generallyspeaking is Gramma, rumor has it.
generallyspeaking on January 02 at 5:32 p.m.
I’m not a cop…nor a “her”, and not a “badge bunny”….but do have relatives in the CA area who are officers….and one in particular who had his life taken by some meth head….so you’re not gonna find sympathy from me, when someone refuses to listen to police orders….too bad police work doesn’t work the way it did in the 70’s…the good old days…..
Slightlyworried on January 02 at 7:09 p.m.
@generallyspeaking:
Otto didn’t refuse to follow orders. No one inside the Zip Trip said Thompson ordered him to drop the 2 liter bottle of Pepsi as Thomspon claims. The videotape shows Thompson approach Otto while he is looking at candy bars. Between the time Otto begins to turn his head to look at Thompson and the first vicious blow hit’s Otto’s head is 2.2 seconds.
Otto never takes a boxing stance or swings at Thompson like Thompson claimed. This is not a case about someone “refusing” to listen to the police orders.
This is a case about a vicious, unprovoked beating by a thug who happens to wear a badge. But the 505 Kool Aid drinkers continue to repeat Thompson’s lies anyone who will listen. Look at the videotape if you are confused about who is telling you the truth.
And BTW, the jury had no trouble figuring out who was telling the truth—and it wasn’t Thomspon or the 505 Kool Aid crowd.
brianrbreen on January 02 at 8:35 p.m.
Oh Yes… The 1970s…Eric Clapton… ZZ Top… The Carpenters… Bob Dylan… The Birds…. The Eagles…The Brady Bunch… and of course good old Kojak…yes what a great era.
Shelala on January 02 at 9:48 p.m.
@Brian
That was short lived, wasn’t it? What “memo”?
meghannc on January 04 at 2:26 p.m.
As a follow up, @valleyman, I asked Ben Wolfinger about this when I called him for a mug shot just now. He says he’s never confirmed that Daniel is Otto’s cousin. He said he’s heard rumors, but he doesn’t know for sure and doesn’t have access to anything that would offer confirmation. So reports that the KCSD has confirmed the family relationship are simply incorrect.