Gun-wielding Cd'A man arrested for aggravated assault

COEUR d'ALENE - A Coeur d'Alene man was arrested following a verbal altercation involving a handgun early Sunday morning in downtown Coeur d'Alene.

The Coeur d'Alene Police Department reported that Officer Jacob Nielsen was patrolling the area of Third Street and E. Coeur d'Alene Avenue just after 2 a.m. when he observed two males in a parking lot who appeared to be arguing. Nielsen said suspect Dean C. Hofmeister, 23, was holding a gun out at his side and the victim appeared to be stepping away from him.

As Nielsen attempted to make contact with Hofmeister, he observed the officer and put the gun inside his coat jacket and started to walk away. After several verbal commands, Hofmeister complied with Nielsen's instructions and he was placed under arrest.

According to the police, the 25-year-old male victim and three witnesses stated prior to the officer's arrival that Hofmeister pulled his gun on the victim and stuck it in his face. The victim said he and Hofmeister had originally bumped into each other inside the Rocker Room bar. He said words were exchanged between them at that time. He said after he left the bar, he and his friends were walking at Third Street and East Coeur d'Alene Avenue when they saw Hofmeister. The victim said Hofmeister recognized him and made a derogatory statement to him, then pulled a gun from on top of his vehicle and pointed it at his face.

Hofmeister was transported to the Kootenai County Jail and booked for aggravated assault and carrying a concealed weapon.