Kootenai County SWAT Arrests Man for Stalking, False Imprisonment

Justin R. Raper, 37, is facing kidnapping and first-degree stalking charges after Kootenai County deputies say he broke into a victim's home in unincorporated Post Falls, held the person against their will, and sent a photograph of himself holding a firearm to his own head alongside a threatening message at approximately 4:30 a.m. Sunday.

The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office said the investigation unfolded over several days before deputies, acting on information from the victim, located Raper at a residence in the 4000 block of West Grange Avenue. An arrest warrant was obtained and deputies established a perimeter around the home. When they arrived, Raper refused to surrender, prompting the deployment of a joint KCSO and Coeur d'Alene Police Department SWAT team. Raper eventually exited the residence and was taken into custody without further incident.

KCSO noted that Raper is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions, making the threatening photograph a compounding legal concern beyond the stalking and kidnapping allegations themselves.

Raper was booked on charges of kidnapping, first-degree stalking, burglary and trespassing. Investigators have indicated additional charges may be pending as the case continues. A judge is expected to determine bail at Raper's upcoming court appearance.