Blasts Spark Call For Crackdown Prosecutor Wants Those Caught With Pipe Bombs To Face Tougher Penalties

Four recent pipe bomb incidents have Kootenai County’s prosecutor calling for tougher state laws.

“Every citizen needs to be concerned that these are terrorist tools. Tools of random destruction,” Prosecutor Bill Douglas said Tuesday. “These aren’t giant firecrackers.”

Three local businesses were hit by pipe bombs early Sunday morning.

Police discovered what appeared to be the remains of exploded bombs at Napa Auto Parts in Hayden; Jammin’ Java, an espresso hut in Coeur d’Alene; and Ray’s RV, also in Coeur d’Alene.

No one was injured in the 3:30 a.m. blasts. So far, there are no suspects.

On July 3, a Spokane man was arrested on drunken driving charges by Kootenai County Sheriff’s deputies near Rockford Bay. Deputies said they discovered five pipe bombs in the back of Jason J. Hauff’s pickup. Hauff, 22, was charged with unlawful possession of destructive devices.

Passenger Christopher Brown, 23, of Vista, Calif., was charged with frequenting a place with illegal drugs. Police said they also found marijuana and drug paraphernalia in the truck.

Douglas said Tuesday the recent events show it’s time to ask legislators to tighten rules on possession of bombs.

Current laws require prosecutors to prove someone intended to do something illegal, Douglas said.

He hopes to push for a change that would mean if a bomb is found in someone’s possession, that alone would indicate an intent to break the law.

Douglas said the pipe bomb has become a weapon of choice for drug smugglers who want to protect their stash. Making a pipe bomb is relatively easy, and federal laws are much harsher than Idaho’s, he said.

“There is no legitimate purpose to be in possession of a homemade pipe bomb,” he said.