Teens arrested on burglary charges

SANDPOINT — Four teenagers were arrested early Wednesday morning after allegedly breaking into the Snack Shack at City Beach.

The four teens, who range in age from 14-16, are charged with burglary in Bonner County Juvenile Court.

A Sandpoint Police officer on patrol encountered the suspects on North First Avenue at about 1:40 a.m., well after the midnight curfew for juveniles in the city. They attempted to flee, but were apprehended after a brief pursuit that ended near Sand Creek, a probable cause affidavit said.

A backpack belonging to one of the suspects held 137 candy bars, prompting the officer to ask if they had broken into the concession stand at City Beach. Two of the teens admitted that they had after learning that unnamed others had gotten away with a previous break-in at the Snack Shack, according to the affidavit.

The group gained access to the building by kicking in a window.

Unsealed court documents identify the suspects as Daniel Scott Clark, 14, of Ponderay; Brahmin Currington, 15, of Colburn; Alexander Evan Merideth, 14, of Sandpoint; and Corey Douglas Potwin, 16, of Sandpoint.

Bonner County Deputy Prosecutor Valerie Fenton moved for the four suspects to remain in custody due to the seriousness of the offense, court records show. Moreover, all but Merideth are already on juvenile probation for prior drug, alcohol or tobacco offenses.

Judge Debra Heise granted the motion and appointed public defenders to represent the teens, court records indicate.

The Snack Shack is no stranger to vandalism and break-ins.

Sandpoint Parks & Recreation Director Kim Woodruff said it costs around $500 to replace a window at the stand, which doesn’t include the staff time for installing it. Woodruff said he is moving to have surveillance cameras placed in the area to deter future break-ins or apprehend those that commit them.

• Staff writer Cameron Rasmusson contributed to this report.