Shooting suspect arrested

POST FALLS — Police arrested a man who allegedly shot two people Wednesday afternoon.

Police identified 31-year-old Tisen W. Sterkel of Newport, Wash., as the suspect.

Witnesses reported that Sterkel pulled into the gas station at the corner of Highway 41 and Poleline Avenue, loaded a gun and opened fire at other vehicles.

One man was shot in the neck, according to police reports.

He was reportedly conscious and alert when first responders arrived at the scene.

Another man was reportedly hit by shrapnel after a bullet struck a vehicle.

Both individuals were transferred to Kootenai Health for treatment.

They were reportedly in stable condition as of Wednesday afternoon.

Law enforcement said the shooting appeared to be random.

“We have nothing to connect the shooter and the victims,” said Post Falls Police Chief Greg McLean.

Sterkel reportedly fled the scene, then ditched his vehicle and entered a residence with a weapon.

According to Kootenai County Sheriff's Office reports, the residents had moved into the Post Falls home just three months ago after retiring from law enforcement careers in California. The couple left because of high crime, the sheriff's office indicated.

Police reports say the suspect stole a vehicle either from the homeowners or from a nearby residence. Post Falls Police said Sterkel abandoned that vehicle before carjacking a driver at Highway 53 and McGuire Road.

Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office spotted the stolen vehicle driving along the railroad tracks along Highway 53.

Multiple units attempted to stop the vehicle, but Sterkel reportedly attempted to elude police.

The vehicle became disabled and police took Sterkel into custody in the area of Hayden Avenue and McGuire Road.

Post Falls School District was notified of the shooting immediately, police said, as a precautionary measure.

Schools reportedly went into a “safety hold” to ensure the safety of students and staff but soon resumed normal operations.