Man who police say used knife to scare clerk freed on no bail

A man who allegedly threatened a desk clerk at a Coeur d’Alene hotel with a knife was released from jail Monday without bail.

Logan C. Cosman faces a felony aggravated assault charge. If he is found guilty, he could spend five years in prison and pay a $5,000 fine.

Police said Cosman placed a razor-edge knife on the counter of the Ramada Inn at 2303 N. Fourth St. and told the clerk, “I am so high right now, I could kill someone.”

Police arrived a short time later, about 5 a.m. and arrested Cosman.

At a Monday hearing, Rick Baughman, Cosman’s attorney, said the 19-year-old has no criminal record, was employed and attending college before COVID-19 fears resulted in his job loss and school closures.

Baughman’s request to have Cosman released without bail over the objection of prosecutors was granted by First District Magistrate Judge Robert Caldwell.

Deputy prosecutor Monica Bushling asked for $20,000 bail for Cosman.

“I have concerns about the use of a weapon in this case,” Bushling said. Caldwell approved her request for a no-contact order.

Police said Cosman entered the Ramada Inn and brusquely told the clerk he needed a room for a few hours, and placed the open-blade knife on the counter.

The clerk thought Cosman was threatening to rob her, she told police. She locked herself into a bathroom and Cosman beat on the door, she said.

Cosman also beat on the plastic shield that separated him from the clerk. A witness, who described Cosman as “amped up,” heard Cosman say, “I am going to blow someone’s brains out,” according to a police report.

Police said Cosman had a box cutter and folding knife in his pockets when he was arrested.

He told investigators he had two, 16-ounce beers at a downtown Coeur d’Alene tavern before his arrest. Because he was uncooperative with jailers Cosman was placed in a safety cell, according to a report.

Caldwell set a probable cause hearing June 26 in Coeur d’Alene’s First District Magistrate Court.