Fugitive, 3 others arrested in Post Falls

POST FALLS — The U. S. Marshals Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force on Wednesday arrested four people in Post Falls during a search for a wanted fugitive.

Members of The Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force, including the Post Falls Police Department, Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, Coeur d’Alene Police Department, Idaho Department of Correction and the U.S. Marshals Service arrested Johnny Levi Turcott, 37, who was wanted by the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office on charges of domestic battery and attempted strangulation, a press release said.

Task Force members located Turcott inside a shed in the area of North Idaho Road and 16th Avenue. He refused commands to surrender and was ultimately taken into custody after the task force deployed a tactical canine. He was transported to a medical center before being booked into custody, the release said.

During the search for Turcott, the Post Falls Police Department also arrested three others: Scott J. Murray, 50, of Post Falls, for possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia; Aaron N. Mattes, 40, of Post Falls, for possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and harboring a fugitive; Kendra L. Martinez, 48, of Post Falls, for harboring a fugitive and obstruction.

“Domestic violence is a crime that unfortunately continues to plague our communities, and it is imperative for the safety of our citizens that those wanted for domestic violence be arrested and brought to justice.” U.S. Marshal for the District of Idaho Brent Bunn said in the release. “The USMS will continue to work with our state and local partners to hold those who harbor wanted fugitives accountable.”