Suspect in ramming awaits arraignment

SANDPOINT - A former Bonner County man charged with ramming his sport utility into a door at a Ponderay tavern is waiving his right to a preliminary hearing.

Shaun Lee Spencer's waiver clears the way for his arraignment in 1st District Court next month.

Spencer is charged with felony battery.

Spencer is still without legal representation. Bonner County Chief Public Defender Isabella Robertson withdrew from the case after a relative of the defendant questioned her integrity and accused her of being an agent a crooked justice system.

A preliminary hearing was scheduled earlier this month, but Spencer was unable to secure private counsel, a condition which continues to persist.

Spencer advised the court on Wednesday, April 16 that he would be resubmitting his application for a public defender.

Spencer, 30, allegedly drove his Jeep Cherokee into a back door of the Hideaway Lounge at the Bonner Mall on March 1.

He is also facing a drunken-driving charge in connection with the incident.

The 28-year-old bartender told Ponderay Police he was standing at the door and was knocked unconscious in the collision.

Spencer said there was no intent to injure the bartender and contends he was reacting to watching the bartender shove his girlfriend to the ground, police reports said.

Spencer is free on bail and has apparently relocated to Frenchtown, Mont.