Authorities press search for potentially violent suspect

OROFINO, Idaho – Police in north-central Idaho have stepped up their search for a man they believe may be trying to prompt an armed confrontation with law enforcement in the backcountry.

The Clearwater County Sheriff’s Department is searching for David Pruss, 34, who is believed to be living in the timber-covered mountains near the logging community of Weippe, 18 miles west of Orofino.

A warrant has been issued for his arrest, charging malicious destruction of property and burglary.

Pruss is being investigated in a series of crimes including using a high-powered rifle to shoot idled logging equipment, electrical transformers, telecommunications equipment and a small hydropower generator on Jim Ford Creek near Weippe. He’s also sought in connection with a string of home burglaries in the area where small items and food were taken.

“We have crimes scattered over about six weeks,” Clearwater County sheriff’s Sgt. Mitch Jarred told the Lewiston Tribune newspaper. “He is a suspect in lots of them, but we can’t say for sure he is involved in all of them.”

Wednesday, police asked for any tips on Pruss’ whereabouts after posting fliers with Pruss’ picture on them in Weippe and nearby Pierce. Jarred said Pruss is believed to have ties to constitutionalist groups, may be involved in eco-terrorism and is considered armed and dangerous.

“He supposedly has made statements that he would like to shoot one of our deputies at random,” said Jarred.

Since the vandalized hydropower generator was part of a federally funded program, the FBI has assisted Clearwater County authorities in researching Pruss’ background, but it is not involved in the actual search, Jarred said.

Pruss has been living in the woods around Weippe for the past year and usually travels on foot or by bicycle. Jarred said police believe he carries multiple weapons.

Pruss is described as 5 feet, 6 inches tall, about 155 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. Police are asking people to report any sightings of Pruss.

“We thought we would have caught him by now,” said Jarred. “People are getting tired of it up here.”