Athol man arrested after short standoff

An Athol man was arrested Wednesday evening after Kootenai County Sheriff detectives served a search warrant related to a narcotics investigation at a residence in the 6000 block of East Bertsch Avenue in Athol.

Before entering the residence about 6:30 p.m., detectives observed James E. Spencer, 55, inside the trailer, a press release said. Spencer had active arrest warrants and refused commands to exit the residence. 

Due to Spencer's criminal history and the fact that he had barricaded himself inside, the SWAT team was called to assist. A shelter-in-place advisory was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution while SWAT personnel worked to take Spencer into custody.

After a brief standoff, Spencer exited the residence and was taken into custody on his outstanding warrants. Detectives located methamphetamine and items consistent with illegal drug dealing inside the trailer, the release said.

An investigation continues.