In brief: Hayden man allegedly shoots at deputies, then surrenders

A 22-year-old Hayden man was arrested early Saturday after allegedly shooting at Kootenai County sheriff’s deputies.

Deputies were called to East Chilco Road near Chilco Lake, north of Hayden, about midnight on a report of trespassers causing a disturbance, officials said.

As deputies approached, an armed man allegedly fired one round at the officers. The deputies returned fire, and the suspect, later identified as Kerry Noel Damiano, gave up without further incident, authorities said.

Damiano was booked into the Kootenai County Jail on suspicion of aggravated assault.

The Idaho State Police will conduct an investigation, as is the protocol for all deputy-involved shootings.

Sara Leaming

Foul play suspected in death of transient, 46, found in cave

Spokane County sheriff’s detectives confirmed Saturday that the body found in the Dishman Hills Natural Area is that of a 46-year-old transient.

The man’s body was discovered by two hikers Friday evening in a small cave at Camp Caro Community Park, just south of Sprague Avenue.

The death appears to be a homicide, said sheriff’s spokesman Sgt. Dave Reagan. A three-hour search of the area revealed no new evidence, major crimes detectives said.

The victim’s name and cause of death will not be released until after an autopsy is conducted by the Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office this week, Reagan said.

It appears the victim had been camping in the Dishman Hills area at the time of his death, Reagan said.

Sara Leaming

Man arrested after woman beaten, strangled and raped

A 40-year-old Coeur d’Alene man was arrested Saturday for allegedly beating, strangling and raping a female acquaintance.

Coeur d’Alene police were called to a residence in the area of Clady and Fruitland lanes about 3 a.m. when a woman reported that a man she knew, Thomas Dickerson, had hit her in the face, strangled her, raped her and then left.

Dickerson was spotted driving near the scene and stopped by a detective, police said.

He was interviewed, arrested and booked into the Kootenai County Jail on suspicion of rape and battery with the intent to commit a serious felony.

The victim was treated and released from Kootenai Medical Center, officials said.

Sara Leaming