Post Falls Man Faces Stalking, Kidnapping Charges After Sunday Standoff

A man with prior felony convictions and a legal prohibition on owning firearms allegedly sent a victim a photo of himself holding a gun to his head at 4:30 a.m. Sunday, prompting Kootenai County Sheriff's deputies and a Coeur d'Alene Police Department SWAT team to surround a home in unincorporated Post Falls.

Justin R. Raper, 37, faces charges of first-degree stalking, kidnapping, burglary and trespassing following his arrest at a residence in the 4000 block of West Grange Avenue, the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office said. Additional charges may be pending as the investigation continues.

According to KCSO, deputies were already investigating a stalking and kidnapping incident when they traced Raper to the West Grange Avenue address. The office said Raper had allegedly stalked a victim, entered the victim's home without permission, held the victim against their will and refused to allow the victim to leave.

The early-morning photo, which showed Raper holding a firearm to his own head alongside a threatening written message, escalated the response. Deputies surrounded the residence after locating Raper there, but he refused to exit or surrender. With both KCSO and the Coeur d'Alene Police Department SWAT team on scene, Raper eventually left the home and was taken into custody without incident.

The sheriff's office noted that Raper is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions, adding a potential layer of exposure beyond the four state charges he already faces.

To secure a conviction on first-degree stalking, prosecutors must establish that Raper willfully and repeatedly followed or harassed the victim and that his conduct caused the victim to reasonably fear death or serious bodily harm. Proving kidnapping requires showing he confined or held the victim against their will. The burglary charge turns on whether he entered the victim's home intending to commit a crime inside.

No arraignment date has been publicly announced. The next expected step is an initial appearance before a First District Court judge, who will set bail conditions and, in stalking and kidnapping cases, typically issues a no-contact order prohibiting any communication with the victim as a condition of release.

IF YOU NEED HELP

Safe Passage provides free, confidential services to survivors of stalking, domestic violence and sexual assault across North Idaho, including emergency shelter, safety planning and court support. Their 24-hour crisis line is (208) 664-9303; email safety@safepassageid.org.

To file for a civil protection order in Kootenai County, petition forms are available through the Idaho Court Assistance Office at courtselfhelp.idaho.gov or in person at the Kootenai County Courthouse in Coeur d'Alene. A judge can grant a temporary order the same day a petition is filed, with a full hearing typically set within two weeks.

For automatic notifications about an offender's custody status, the free VINElink service sends updates by phone or email at (866) 984-6343 or through vinelink.com.

Crime Victims Compensation through the Idaho Industrial Commission can cover costs related to stalking and other violent crimes: (800) 950-2110.

The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line is (208) 446-1300. The Kootenai County Prosecutor's Office can be reached at (208) 446-1800.