Sheriff says 'no arrests' during disaster emergency

In response to growing concerns regarding Kootenai County's Emergency Operations Plan, Sheriff Bob Norris said Thursday that individuals will not be arrested for refusing to evacuate during a disaster emergency.

"I, Sheriff Robert Norris, will not arrest, nor will any deputies arrest any person for not evacuating their home during a Disaster Emergency," a press release said. "Any person who chooses to remain in their home during a Disaster Emergency may do so without threat of arrest. I will interpose myself between a Kootenai County resident and any entity, federal, state, or local, who is threatening to arrest a person for not evacuating their home during a disaster."