Hayden couple charged with attacking neighbors

COEUR d’ALENE — Police arrested a Hayden couple Wednesday night after an altercation in which the husband allegedly pointed a loaded gun at his neighbors and the wife grabbed her neighbor by the throat.

Christopher D. Duncan, 58, is charged with aggravated assault, a felony, while Danielle M. Duncan, 56, is charged with battery, a misdemeanor. 

Sheriff’s deputies responded Wednesday to a report of a neighborly dispute at a Hayden residence. A family of four told police they must use an easement that goes along the Duncans’ property in order to access their own home. Since November 2023, the neighbors said the Duncans have frequently shouted at them and accused them of speeding while driving along the easement. 

The neighbors said they were driving home in two separate vehicles when they came upon Christopher Duncan walking along the road with three goats. 

Police said video footage confirmed the neighbors slowed their vehicles and moved over as they passed Christopher Duncan, who pulled a handgun out of his pocket and pointed it at one of the vehicles as it drove away. He put the gun away, according to court records, then pulled it out again, loaded it and pointed at the vehicle again. 

“It should be noted the vehicle was not close to Duncan and was moving away from Duncan when he pointed a handgun at the vehicle both times,” a deputy wrote in a report. “Duncan was not in imminent danger at any point when the vehicle was driving at that speed from that distance away.” 

After reaching their property, the neighbors said they got out of their cars. Danielle Duncan allegedly approached the group and accused them of speeding along the road. During the ensuing argument, Danielle Duncan allegedly grabbed her neighbor by the throat. 

Police observed red marks and scratches on the neighbor’s neck. Video footage of the incident also appeared to show Danielle Duncan grabbing her neighbor. 

Danielle Duncan was arrested at the scene and transported to jail. 

Upon reviewing video recordings of the incidents, police confirmed that Christopher Duncan pointed a loaded gun at his neighbors, according to court records. 

While Christopher Duncan was at the Kootenai County jail to post bail for his wife, police arrested him for aggravated battery. When questioned by police, he allegedly admitted to pointing the gun at his neighbors “because they were speeding and the vehicle’s side rearview mirror almost hit him."