Stalking suspect arrested after standoff

RATHDRUM — Police arrested a wanted man following a five-hour standoff Thursday night.

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

The charges stem from last week, when a woman who has an active protection order against Wilske told police he had entered her home and stole several items, including a piece of lingerie.

The woman said she spotted Wilske on a hillside near her residence and chased him.

He allegedly ran to his truck and 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 active 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.

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

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

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

The Kootenai County Joint Agency SWAT team arrived at the scene around 9 p.m.

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.