Hunt on for missing man

SANDPOINT — Bonner County sheriff’s investigators are searching for a 21-year-old man who has not been seen for months and may be suicidal.

Brendan Earl Carpenter was last seen leaving the Bonner Gospel Mission in Ponderay on May 22. He was seen walking his bicycle from the facility, possibly in the company of Robert Eason Barringer, 26.

Carpenter’s mood at the time was described as depressed and despondent. Sheriff’s officials said in a news release that Carpenter indicated to others that he had suicidal thoughts and tendencies.

Carpenter may also be in possession of a knife.

Investigators obtained a subpoena, which revealed there was no further activity on his cell phone or bank account since he was observed leaving the mission last May. He also left his personal belongings at the mission.

Meanwhile, Carpenter is the subject of a $40,000 bench warrant for failing to appear for a presentence interview in a felony eluding and drunken-driving case, the Idaho Supreme Court data repository indicates.

Carpenter allegedly led a Ponderay Police officer on a high-speed chase on U.S. Highway 95 in April. The pickup truck he was driving went airborne and rolled during the pursuit, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Carpenter pleaded guilty to the felony and misdemeanor DUI charge on May 7, court records show. He was released on his own recognizance, but was required to submit to alcohol testing twice a week.

Court officials later filed an affidavit stating that Carpenter failed to comply with the testing requirement.

A plea agreement proposed a suspended prison term and 90 days in jail, court records show. Carpenter was to be sentenced in June.

Sheriff’s officials described one of Carpenter’s associates, William Richard Bartlett, as a transient with violent tendencies. Bartlett, 28, reportedly stated he received a text message from Carpenter in July, but Bartlett has since left the area and may have gone to Colville, Wash., with his 19-year-old girlfriend, Kyza Rae Richardson.

Bartlett is scheduled to be tried in Magistrate Court this fall for violating no-contact orders in connection with a domestic dispute, harassment via telephone, battery and disturbing the peace, court records indicate.

Carpenter reportedly has ties to the Phoenix, Ariz., area.

Carpenter is 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighs about 150 pounds. He has brown hair and eyes and a 3-inch scar on his left wrist. His last known address was 162 Starhawk Lane, off Rapid Lightning Road.

Those with information about Carpenter’s whereabouts are asked to call Det. Christian Frye at 263-8417, extension 3021, or at cfrye@bonnerso.org. Those with information can also contact Det. Sgt. Gary Johnston at 263-8417, extension 3058.