Prison ordered in gunshot cases

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man was given consecutive prison terms Tuesday for opening fire on people in separate incidents north of Priest River last summer.

First District Judge Barbara Buchanan imposed five-year terms but retained jurisdiction over David Robert Brinkmeyer, which means he’ll serve up to a year in prison before a decision is made to place him on probation or order him to serve the underlying sentence.

Brinkmeyer, 61, pleaded guilty earlier this month to two counts of aggravated assault, which stemmed from shooting incidents outside his home on Old Stagecoach Road in August.

Brinkmeyer allegedly fired a shotgun blast into the air before drawing down an adult driving a pickup truck, which also held two juveniles. The alleged victims told sheriff’s deputies that they were driving past Brinkmeyer’s home to gain access to the Priest River.

Brinkmeyer was apparently upset about motorists speeding past his home.

There were no injuries, although the occupants of the truck said they feared they would be shot by Brinkmeyer, according to a probable cause affidavit.

About a month later, Brinkmeyer allegedly fired a pistol at a relative who intended to take him to court so the relative did not lose the bail money he posted on Brinkmeyer’s behalf. As many as five shots were fired at the alleged victim, but none hit him.

Brinkmeyer was originally charged with aggravated assault with intent to commit murder, but the offense was downgraded because there was insufficient evidence to demonstrate that he intended to kill.

Bonner County Prosecutor Louis Marshall recommended retained jurisdiction, also known as a rider, and said alcohol factored into the episodes but was not the sole reason for his misconduct.

“I made a mistake and this has been educational,” said Brinkmeyer, who disputed that alcohol factored into the episodes.

Buchanan agreed to retain jurisdiction, finding that a sentence of confinement is reasonable if it accomplishes the primary objective of protecting society.

“It didn’t just happen once but twice,” Buchanan said of Brinkmeyer’s decision to open fire.

Buchanan imposed back-to-back terms of two to five years with credit for 109 days on each sentence. Brinkmeyer was also fined $600.