Lewd suspect evades capture

A 32-year-old Coeur d'Alene man wanted on multiple sex abuse charges evaded capture by authorities in Bonner County on Tuesday afternoon.

Nathaniel R. Howell is wanted by Coeur d'Alene police on four counts of lewd and lascivious conduct with a child and five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, authorities said.

Law enforcement was acting on a tip that Howell was staying at a residence on the 1500 block of South Sagle Road, in Sagle.

Howell was visiting relatives in the area when he spotted police nearby.

He ran from officers and he has yet to be located, Coeur d'Alene Police spokeswoman Sgt. Christie Wood said Wednesday.

The Bonner County Daily Bee, in Sandpoint, reported that the search for Howell was called off at 3 p.m. Tuesday due to darkness and officer safety. Deputies lacked a police dog during the search.

Howell was convicted of violating a no-contact order and harassment by telephone in 2009, according to Idaho Supreme Court data repository records.

He was charged with misdemeanor domestic battery in 2008, but the charge was later dismissed following a motion by the state, records said.

Howell is 5 feet, 10 inches tall, and weighs approximately 175 pounds. He has hazel eyes and blond hair.

Those who encounter Howell or have knowledge of his whereabouts are asked to call Bonner County dispatch at (208) 265-5525 or the Coeur d'Alene Police Department at (208) 769-2320.