Murder suspect sought in manhunt
SANDPOINT — A suspect wanted on a second-degree murder charge out of southern Idaho is being sought by law enforcement after he fled a traffic stop in the Ponderay-Kootenai area Wednesday.
James Patrick Mancuso, 32, and his girlfriend, Ashley Nicoli Ford, 27, were stopped by Idaho State Police early Wednesday afternoon near McGhee Road but fled the scene as the trooper was conducting the stop, Bonner County Sheriff's Capt. Ror Lakewold said.
A short pursuit followed with the pair traveling down McGhee Road and down the railroad right of way. During the pursuit, the trooper got stuck and by the time a perimeter was established, the pair had already left the area.
A short while later, the pair's vehicle was discovered near Racetrack Road, about 7 miles north of Sandpoint in the Selle Valley area.
“At this point, we're not convinced he's on foot or doesn't have a vehicle,” Lakewold said.
Lakewold said the department is tracking down any possible leads and footprints in the area. Law enforcement went door to door in the area to check residences and make sure the pair hadn't holed up in one of the homes. All residents were warned to stay inside and to call police in the event they saw anyone or anything suspicious.
According to a press release by the Nampa Police Department, Mancuso is wanted in connection with the early morning stabbing March 10 of Robert L. Stevens, 30, of Nampa.
Police said witnesses reported an argument in front of the garage of the victim's home between Mancuso and Stevens. At some point in the altercation, Mancuso allegedly stabbed Stevens in the abdomen and fled the scene. Stevens was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries a short while later.
Mancuso was known by the victim, Sgt. Tim Riha said in the press release.
Police advise residents in the Selle Valley area remain vigilant.
Mancuso is described as a white male with short, brown hair, and glasses.
Assisting in the search are the Sandpoint and Ponderay police departments as well as Idaho State Police.
Information: Bonner Dispatch, 265-5525