Accused stalker bound over on felony charges

RATHDRUM — The case of an accused stalker who was arrested after a five-hour standoff with police will move forward.

Leroy S. Wilske, 46, of Rathdrum, is charged with burglary and first-degree stalking, both felonies, and with petite theft, a misdemeanor.

After a preliminary hearing Friday, Magistrate Judge Mayli Walsh ruled that enough evidence exists to bind the case over to district court.

The charges stem from October, when a woman who has an active protective order against Wilske told police he entered her home and stole several items, including multiple pieces of lingerie.

The woman said she spotted Wilske on a hillside near her residence and chased him to his car. He then allegedly drove off.

Based on evidence observed at the scene, police said they believed Wilske had been watching the woman from the woods surrounding her home.

Wilske has allegedly violated the protection order numerous times by attempting to contact the woman via social media, as well as by sending her threatening text messages and explicit photos.

“It made me feel scared, frightened and upset,” the woman said in court Friday.

First District Judge Ross Pittman issued a $250,000 warrant for Wilske’s arrest last month.

A Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office deputy reportedly spotted Wilske in a vehicle outside a Rathdrum residence Oct. 28. Wilske then entered the home, police said.

Law enforcement reportedly made multiple attempts to communicate with Wilske, who barricaded himself inside the residence.

It was 9 p.m. when the Kootenai County Joint Agency SWAT team arrived at the scene.

Minutes later, Wilske was taken into custody.

He has reportedly been arrested 22 times in Kootenai County for drug and alcohol offenses.

He has three other pending criminal cases, according to court documents, for stalking, violating a protection order and driving under the influence.

Wilske remains in jail.