Jury takes up case involving home invasion

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County jury began hearing the case Monday against a man accused of perpetrating brazen home invasion in Sandpoint last year.

A jury of eight men and six women are deciding the case against Randy Carl Eiland, who's charged with battery with intent to commit a serious felony and burglary. Two of the jurors will be selected as alternates immediately prior to the panel's deliberations.

Eiland, 51, allegedly smashed through a glass door in the home in southwest Sandpoint on Oct. 21, 2014. At the time of the 10 a.m. break-in, the home was occupied by a couple and their adult daughter. Eiland allegedly deployed bear deterrent spray into the face of the family's patriarch and then into a bedroom where the trio sought refuge.

For the rest of the story, see the print edition of the Bonner County Daily Bee or subscribe to our e-edition.