Post Falls man accused of stabbing friend in chest

A Post Falls man is accused of stabbing and seriously injuring his friend Sunday during an alcohol-fueled argument on a forest road near the Fernan Saddle.

Austin D. Shultz, 22, was arrested by Kootenai County sheriff's deputies after Blake E. Minier, 19, of Coeur d'Alene called 911 around 8 p.m. and reported he had been stabbed in the chest by his friend, Shultz.

Minier was found by deputies, with his vehicle, just west of Forest Service Road 434. They administered first aid until medical responders arrived. Minier was transported to Kootenai Health via Life Flight where he was last reported in critical, but stable, condition.

Shultz was located by deputies walking on a nearby forest road. He was booked into the Kootenai County jail on one count of aggravated battery. The incident remains under investigation and other charges may be forthcoming in the next few days.