Robbery suspect is apprehended

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint teen has been arrested in connection with a home-invasion robbery in the Samuels area last month.

Steven Michael Gervasi, 15, is charged with robbery. A hearing to determine if a felony court trial is justified is scheduled for Jan. 11.

Gervasi was being held on $100,000 bail as of Tuesday afternoon.

Gervasi is accused forcing his way into the home with a gun on Dec. 4, 2005, and tying up the couple who lived there. Gervasi and another suspect allegedly stole $300, an undisclosed amount of marijuana, and as many as six half-racks of beer during the robbery, according to a police report.

The two suspects were apparently wearing hooded sweatshirts and had scarves covering their faces, but one of the victims said he immediately recognized Gervasi by the sound of his voice.

The 52-year-old man told sheriff's deputies he was unable to reason with Gervasi and attempted to disarm him. But Gervasi ended up striking him with the butt of the weapon, which was not described in court documents.

The man was tied up with a belt, while a strand of Christmas lights was used to bind the 44-year-old woman. The woman was able to break free and escaped to a neighbor's house so authorities could be notified.

The man suffered wounds to his face, while the woman reported being kicked in the ribs. Gervasi also allegedly doused the couple with rubbing alcohol while at the same time threatening to burn down their home with them inside.