14 arrested in SWAT search
<p>John Cantrell, from the North Idaho Violent Crime Task Force continues an investigation at 319 W. 20th Avenue in Post Falls. The Post Falls Rathdrum Multi Agency SWAT Team performed a planned search warrant that resulted in 11 people arrested and two people who were issued citations and released.</p>
POST FALLS - When members of the Post Falls and Rathdrum SWAT team stormed a Post Falls home for a drug bust around 5 a.m. Wednesday, a surprise awaited.
Several suspects were already setting up for a yard sale at 319 W. 20th at that early hour.
"It's not uncommon for drug users to exhibit bizarre behavior," said Post Falls Police Chief Scot Haug.
Fourteen people were arrested during the raid. All were charged with frequenting a place where drugs are used, but multiple suspects who were arrested face more serious charges, pending the investigation, Haug said.
Those arrested included: Sandra Waters, 29, Coeur d'Alene; Debra Cooper-Anderson, 57, Post Falls; Annalise Porto, 22, Post Falls; Gary Berreth, 46, Post Falls; Frederick Hawkaas, 34, Coeur d'Alene; Joseph Gardiner, 30, Post Falls; Dona Westlake, 20, Hauser; Bradley Martell, 22, Post Falls; Ryan Markley, 24, Coeur d'Alene; Audra Delahunty, 30, Post Falls; Mercedes Berrett-Wenz, 19, Post Falls; Christian Reynolds, 19, Post Falls; Brian Milligan, 38, Post Falls; and Jonathan Locke, 22, Coeur d'Alene.
The female homeowner was among two people who were cited and released.
"This has been a problem house for several months for our community," Haug said, adding that police have had many complaints. "With these arrests, hopefully we'll see a change in that neighborhood to provide peace and a return to normalcy."
The case is being investigated by the multi-agency North Idaho Violent Crimes Task Force.
Haug said investigators located a "significant" amount of methamphetamine and money and a stolen vehicle during the search.
"There's no indication that the home was being used for a meth lab," Haug said.
Haug said suspects were located throughout the property and arrested without incident.
"We found people in closets, sleeping on the floor, in RVs and in outbuildings," he said. "There were quite a few more people than we anticipated."
Haug said the SWAT team was used due to the high-risk nature of the warrant service and the information police were provided that multiple people living in the house had warrants for their arrest.
"We felt that was the safest way rather than responding with patrol officers," he said.
Haug said the early-morning hours are also the safest time to respond to such cases.
An investigation continues.
Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact Post Falls Police at 773-3517 or leave anonymous tips at www.postfallspolice.com.