Shots fired, hostages taken, house set afire - and a peaceful ending
The suspect in a hostage situation Sunday in Hayden is believed to have set fire to the home where the hostages were safely released earlier in the afternoon.
From left, Capt. Kevin Smart and Capt. Brett Nelson confer with Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris at the scene of a hostage situation Sunday afternoon in Hayden.
Wilson
HAYDEN — A happy ending didn't look likely late Sunday morning when Kootenai County Sheriff's deputies and SWAT members responded to a report of shots fired at a home on the 800 block of Dee Court in Hayden.
The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office reported that deputies and members of Kootenai County Joint Agency SWAT Team responded to the home around 11:20 a.m. after being advised by the 911 caller that she believed her sister was shot by her boyfriend in the residence.
Authorities would learn that a man inside the residence, identified as Kenneth Wilson, 59, of Spokane, Wash. was holding three people hostage. Law enforcement then surrounded the residence as smoke could be seen coming from one of the windows.
Neighboring residents were evacuated and Northern Lakes Fire responded under protection from law enforcement to ensure neighboring houses were not damaged if the residence were to catch on fire.
While fire personnel were getting into position, shots were heard from within the residence. Deputies and SWAT continued containment and attempted to contact the male via phone and announcements. Shortly afterwards, a female exited the residence and was safely taken away from the scene. It was learned there were no further victims in the residence and the only person left was the male subject who was armed with a handgun.
At about 2:30 p.m., KCSO Sheriff Bob Norris said, the suspect came out with his hands in the air and was taken into custody.
"I was surprised that with the amount of smoke, the suspect was able to survive," Norris told The Press. "Nobody was hurt, including deputies on the scene."
According to the Sheriff's Office, Wilson was charged with three counts of aggravated assault, first degree arson, grand theft of a firearm, obstruction, unlawful imprisonment and cruelty to animals.
Additional charges could be added, Lt. Ryan Higgins noted.
