Pair facing charges after fight with officers

SANDPOINT — Two Bonner County residents are facing multiple charges with reports indicating that the two engaged in an altercation with law enforcement during a traffic stop.

The arrests stem from events that unfolded at the 76 gas station in Westmond off of U.S. 95. Dispatch received multiple calls on May 15 alleging that Eric Alexander Campbell, 43, and Rebecca Knight, 43, were screaming at each other in the parking lot of the gas station.

When Bonner County Sheriff’s Deputy Christian Nourot arrived at the scene, the two said that they had been screaming at each other because they were upset that their rental car was not working properly.

Speaking in a German accent, Campbell gave the deputy a fake name and said he had recently moved to California from Germany.

Nourot waited for backup to arrive before searching the rented Mercedes GLC. Sergeant Chris Bell arrived and stood with both Campbell and Knight as Nourot began the search.

After beginning the search, Nourot discovered a small amount of marijuana and methamphetamine in the center console of the rented vehicle. Shortly after the discovery, Campbell began walking quickly toward Nourot and ignored his repeated commands to stop, according to an affidavit of probable cause. When Campbell got within arms reach, Nourot placed his hands on Campbell. Campbell then gut-punched the deputy.

Nourot tried to restrain Campbell but he kept pulling away. The deputy told Campbell that he would use his stun gun on him if he did not stop resisting, which reduced the aggressiveness of Campbell’s actions but did not stop his resisting, according to court documents.

During this struggle, Nourot’s body cam fell to the ground and Campbell stomped on it. Sergeant Bell rushed to assist Nourot. Campbell kicked Bell’s leg as the two law enforcement officers were struggling to get Campbell to the ground.

While the two law enforcement officers were struggling with Campbell, Knight approached the altercation multiple times despite commands to step back. According to court documents, Knight approached the struggle at least 10 times.

After Campbell was placed in handcuffs, he gave officials his real last name and told them that he was from Sagle.

A container containing methamphetamine was found on Campbell’s person. After completing a search of the vehicle, more amounts of marijuana and methamphetamine were found in addition to a small amount of heroin and an open bottle of tequila.

The two were booked into the Bonner County Jail later that Sunday. Campbell refused to sign documents indicating that he understood his rights.

Campbell is being held on a $150,000 bond and waived his right to a speedy trial on Wednesday. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 15. If punished to the fullest extent of the law, Campbell will face 37 years incarceration on top of a $76,000 fine.

He was charged with 10 counts: three charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of paraphernalia, resisting and obstructing law enforcement, two counts of battery on a law enforcement officer, malicious destruction of property, providing false information to law enforcement, and open container.

Knight is facing three charges of obstructing law enforcement, and two counts of possession of a controlled substance. She could face a maximum penalty of three years incarceration on top of a $3,000 fine. She is out of jail after posting a $900 surety bond on Sunday with the help of a bonding agency. Trial is scheduled for July 14.

This offense is their first in over 15 years.