Man who was shot is sought

PRIEST RIVER — Authorities are still attempting to make contact with a man who reportedly suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound Monday night near Priest River.

“The case is still under investigation although all indications point towards an accidental discharge,” said Bonner County Sheriff’s Det. Sgt. Gary Johnston. “It wasn’t what we initially thought and  the victim suffered only a superficial wound to the foot.”

Deputies responded to the residence of Dean Stewart and Shania Chappell on Old Priest River Road and Jachetta Cutoff Road to investigate a weapon offense disturbance around 6 p.m.

Johnston confirmed that Stewart was the victim of the gunshot although detectives have been unable to contact the man.

“He’s less than enthusiastic to come forward due to some prior legal obligations,” Johnston said. “We are still attempting to make contact with him.”

A witness reported seeing a man who appeared to have been shot being carried to a Volkswagen, which left the scene toward Newport, Wash., according to court records.

Officers from the BCSO and Priest River Police Department combed the area looking for Stewart well into Monday night.

The wound didn’t require professional medical attention, according to Johnston.

The type of weapon used in the accident is still under investigation.

Chappell, 24, was arrested for obstruction for insisting the man who was shot was named Robert. She was further charged with possession of methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia after a search of the Jachetta Cutoff home, court records indicate.

Meth pipes found inside the home field-tested positive for the stimulant. More than 7 ounces of marijuana was also recovered, a probable cause affidavit said.

Chappell made an initial appearance in Bonner County Magistrate Court on Tuesday. Her bail was set at $7,000 and a public defender was appointed to represent her, court documents show.

• News editor Keith Kinnaird contributed to this report.