Charges are mulled in shooting case

SANDPOINT — A Pennsylvania man arrested following a shooting in the Upper Pack River Valley on Wednesday has been released while the Bonner County Prosecutor’s Office weighs a charging decision.

John Chester Bilsky was arrested on suspicion of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Judge Barbara Buchanan released Bilsky on Thursday because Deputy Prosecutor Shane Greenbank was still evaluating possible charges.

Greenbank declined to comment on the matter because it remains under investigation.

Bilsky, a 58-year-old resident of Union Dale, Pa., is accused of shooting Richard Larson, 59. Sheriff’s officials said the two were involved in an ongoing neighborhood dispute.

Sheriff’s deputies were summoned to the 200 block of Makers Way at about 4 p.m. after receiving a report of a shooting. Larson resides on Makers Way, according to sheriff’s officials.

Larson was taken to Bonner General Hospital and later airlifted to Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, Wash. He was listed in serious condition on Thursday afternoon.