Wanted man accused of stealing car at hospital

COEUR d’ALENE — A man wanted on multiple warrants could face life in prison after police said he stole a car in front of the emergency room entrance on New Year’s Day.

Edward F. Gallagher, 32, of Coeur d’Alene, is charged with burglary, grand theft and grand theft of a financial instrument, all felonies, as well as petite theft, a misdemeanor. Prosecutors also filed a habitual offender enhancement.

Police responded around 9:30 p.m. on Jan. 1 to a report of a car theft at Kootenai Health.

A man, identified as Gallagher, reportedly sat on a bench outside the hospital when a Subaru Crosstrek pulled up to the emergency room entrance.

The driver left the car running, police said, as she and her passenger entered the emergency room with a nurse.

About a minute later, security footage reportedly showed Gallagher climb into the driver’s seat and drive away.

Police later recovered the car in Post Falls. Several items were reportedly missing from inside the car, including cash and a checkbook.

A judge issued a warrant for Gallagher’s arrest on Jan. 22. Gallagher was taken into custody on March 25.

Gallagher was reportedly wanted on a bench warrant out of Washington at the time of his arrest.

Five warrants have been issued for his arrest in Idaho during the last three years, according to court documents.

Judge Ross Pittman ordered Friday that Gallagher be held on $75,000 bail.

Gallagher was previously convicted of felony burglary in Kootenai County in 2011 and 2013.

In Idaho, a person convicted of a third felony will be sentenced to a minimum of five years and up to a maximum of life in prison.

This story has been updated for clarity.