Claim filed over damaged medicine bag

SANDPOINT — An Oregon man is seeking $25,000 in damages over the opening of his Native American medicine bag during a drunken-driving arrest last summer.

Craig Clark Show contends the medicine bag’s mystical qualities were destroyed when the bag was opened. Show said the bag, which imparted protection, had been blessed by a medicine woman and sealed since 1995.

Show filed the tort claim against Idaho State Police and the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office on Jan. 17. He also alleges he was persecuted because of his religious beliefs and his Harley-Davidson motorcycle was scratched by a deputy’s drug-detection dog during a search.

Show, a 49-year-old from Portland, was stopped for speeding on U.S. Highway 95 at Granite Hill last August. He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and had a breath-alcohol level of 0.16, an arrest report said.

Show’s defense counsel moved to suppress evidence in the case on constitutional grounds, but a judge ruled the traffic stop and ensuing DUI investigation were conducted lawfully, magistrate court records indicate.

He was to stand trial this month, but contracted a serious infection was unable to assist counsel, according to his attorney.

A new trial date is pending.