$100K bail for aggravated assault suspect

COEUR d'ALENE — A man accused of entering a family member's home in Rathdrum and brandishing a gun is facing felony charges.

Bryan W. Grytness, 40, is charged with aggravated assault, a felony. He also faces an enhancement for the use of a deadly weapon in the commission of a crime. 

First District Judge Daniel McGee ordered that Grytness be held on $100,000 bail, calling him an "extreme risk" to the family member he allegedly threatened. 

"The no contact order is a piece of paper," McGee said in court Monday. "It's been my experience that, in cases of this nature, it's not a lot of deterrence." 

McGee was in custody Monday and appeared in court via a video feed from jail. 

"I will definitely not break the no contact order," he told the court. 

The charges stem from around midnight Sunday, when police responded to a report of a "suspicious male" at a Rathdrum residence. The reporting party, Grytness' relative, told police that Grytness had entered the home and pointed a handgun at him. According to court records, the reporting party appeared "visibly distraught" and "in disbelief" when describing the incident.

Police surrounded the residence and handcuffed Grytness after he exited the home, according to court records. 

At the time of the incident, police said Grytness was wanted on a $25,000 warrant in a separate matter. 

Grytness once lived in the Rathdrum home, police said, where he cared for a different relative. The 92-year-old family member was removed from the home "due to the care she was receiving," according to court records, and Grytness was under investigation for abuse of a vulnerable adult. 

According to court records, the reporting party traveled to Rathdrum from Washington to prepare the home for sale. Police said the reporting party had indicated that Grytness was upset about the abuse investigation and the sale of the home. 

After obtaining a search warrant for the home and Grytness' vehicle, police found a handgun matching the description of the one allegedly used in the incident inside a gun safe. Police also found a bullet on the floor of the reporting party's bedroom, according to court records. 

In court Monday, prosecutors requested a high bail amount due to the "egregious facts" of the case. Between the assault charge and the separate pending charge of abuse of a vulnerable adult, prosecutors said Grytness poses a "significant flight risk." 

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual abuse, reach Safe Passage 24/7 by calling 208-664-9303 or texting 208-449-7228.