Man charged for possessing stolen car

POST FALLS — A man who has been in jail since February for allegedly attacking his roommate with a hatchet is facing new felony charges.

Walter B. Martin, 48, of Post Falls, is charged with possession of a stolen vehicle and possession of a controlled substance, both felonies. He is also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor.

Post Falls police responded to Martin’s last known residence the evening of Jan. 11 because he was wanted on a warrant for aggravated assault.

A vehicle parked at the residence had been reported stolen in Spokane County, according to court documents.

Police attempted to make contact with Martin, who reportedly refused to open the door or exit the residence.

After officers saw Martin through a window, Martin allegedly blocked their view with a sheet.

Police had the stolen vehicle towed and made no further contact with Martin that night.

A search of the vehicle allegedly yielded drug paraphernalia and a substance that police said was meth.

Martin was already facing multiple felony charges in a separate case, which stemmed from December 2020, when his roommate reported that Martin had attacked him with a hatchet.

The roommate was bleeding from the right side of his head when Post Falls police responded to the scene, according to court documents.

Because Martin was believed to be armed with a knife, police withdrew from the scene and sought a warrant for Martin’s arrest.

Police arrested Martin on a $25,000 warrant on Feb. 7.

Martin is charged with aggravated assault, aggravated battery and burglary in the case, all felonies.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Prosecutors filed charges for the stolen vehicle on Thursday.

Martin remains in jail.