Attempted kidnapping trial set

COEUR d'ALENE — The Coeur d'Alene Press employee who allegedly tried to kidnap a 27-year-old female co-worker pleaded not guilty Tuesday to multiple charges.

Jason A. Edwards, 44, of Coeur d'Alene, appeared before 1st District Court Judge Lansing Haynes for an arraignment hearing.

He is charged with battery with the intent to commit a serious felony, attempted first-degree kidnapping, aggravated assault and burglary, all felony charges stemming from the Nov. 1 alleged incident. He also is charged with DUI, a misdemeanor.

Haynes scheduled a jury trial for May 3. Prosecutors expect the trial to last five days.

Edwards declined a plea deal offered by prosecutors. He remains in custody at the Kootenai County jail.

Police said Edwards allegedly coaxed the co-worker outside where he threatened her with a knife and attempted to take her to a van he had parked a couple hundred yards away. Police said she broke free and escaped back into the Press building, where she called police.