Update on manhunt for murder suspects in Bonner County

Press release from Bonner County Sheriff's Office:

Members of the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office have been conducting a search for wanted subjects James Mancuso, 32, and Ashley Ford, 27.

Mancuso and Ford fled from the Idaho State Police yesterday, March 23, 2016, while officers attempted to apprehend them. The pursuit ended on the railroad tracks between McGhee Road and North Kootenai Road in Bonner County, where the state police unit became stuck.

Mancuso and Ford continued to flee the area. The Sheriff and other members of Bonner County Sheriff’s Office, Ponderay Police, Sandpoint Police, the Idaho State Police, and the US Marshals saturated the area in an attempt to contain them. Mancuso’s car was found abandoned on Racetrack Road, off U.S. 95.

An extensive search ensued in the area with the use of canines, deputies and detectives.

Deputies attempted contact with residents in the area. Unoccupied residences were checked, and calls were made to all homes within the area.

After several hours and diminishing leads, the primary search teams were pulled out of the area and began looking into other leads. Several marked patrol units remained throughout the night patrolling the area.

We would like to assure the public we are following up on leads, working with outside agencies, and connecting with technical resources to make every attempt to capture Mancuso and Ford in a timely and safe manner for all involved.

At this time we don’t have any information that leads us to believe they are targeting anyone to do them harm. The homicide warrant is from southern Idaho and involved known associates.

All investigative leads indicate their intent is to elude capture. We don’t have any current vehicle information, and the suspects are presumed still on foot. We still

recommend not attempting contact with them and calling 9-1-1 if you have information as to their whereabouts, as they are considered armed and dangerous.

We thank our community and our law enforcement partners for all the help to this point. We will send an update when more information becomes available.