$2 million bail for alleged shooter

POST FALLS — A man who allegedly shot two people before going on a crime spree is being held on $2 million bail.

Tisen W. Sterkel, 32, of Newport, Wash., is charged with 12 felonies: two counts of aggravated battery, two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of possession of a stolen vehicle, operating a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent, robbery, burglary, attempted unlawful entry, unlawful entry and eluding.

Post Falls police responded around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday to reports of a shooting at the Conoco gas station at Highway 41 and Poleline Avenue.

Witnesses said a man later identified as Sterkel loaded a rifle and opened fire at other vehicles.

A 30-year-old man was shot in the neck, police said. He was reportedly talking on the phone in his parked vehicle when a bullet came through the windshield, striking him.

He was transported to Kootenai Health, where he underwent surgery. He is reportedly in stable condition and expected to make a full recovery.

A 38-year-old man was shot in the leg, according to court documents, and transported to Kootenai Health for treatment. Police said he was in stable condition Wednesday.

Sterkel allegedly shot the tire of a car and pointed the gun at another person but did not fire.

Security footage appeared to show Sterkel fire at least five shots, according to police reports.

Law enforcement said the shooting appeared to be random, with no obvious connections between Sterkel and the injured individuals.

After the shooting, witnesses said Sterkel fled the scene in a gold pickup.

Police said Sterkel ditched the pickup on Greensferry Road and entered a residence with a weapon. He allegedly stole a vehicle from the homeowners and took off again.

Sterkel reportedly stopped at Highway 53 and McGuire Road, then approached a man who was returning on foot to his parked Dodge Ram.

The man told police that Sterkel loaded the rifle, pointed it at him and demanded to exchange vehicles.

Sterkel allegedly forced the man into the stolen vehicle at gunpoint, then took the keys to the Ram. He then drove west on Highway 53, police said.

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

Multiple units attempted to stop the vehicle, but Sterkel didn’t stop, police said.

Law enforcement reportedly pinned Sterkel’s vehicle from both sides, disabling it.

Police took Sterkel into custody and transported him to Kootenai Health to be evaluated before booking him into jail.

At the hospital, Sterkel reportedly said he hoped the people he shot at were OK.

Sterkel later told police he didn’t know why he shot these people and thought something inside of him had “snapped,” according to court documents.

First District Judge Robert Caldwell ordered Thursday that Sterkel be held on $2 million bail.

Fundraiser supports shooting victim

The community is rallying to support one of the victims of Wednesday’s shooting in Post Falls.

Jacob Sheppard, 30, was shot in the neck at the Conoco gas station at Highway 41 and Poleline Avenue.

After undergoing surgery, he is reportedly stable and expected to make a full recovery.

Family member Jennifer LaPierre organized a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical bills and missed work while Sheppard recovers.

He and his wife, Dominique, are the parents of a toddler and a newborn.

“I don’t have words for just how incredible Dominique and Jake are,” LaPierre said. “They really are the most kindhearted people and they’re so generous themselves.”

Through the fundraiser, LaPierre said she hopes to ease the burdens on the Sheppard family and enable them to focus on healing.

The campaign had raised about $4,500 as of Thursday afternoon.

Info: https://gofund.me/7a1ff543