Hayden, Idaho: On January 2 at approximately 2:32 PM the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Mathews Apartments in Hayden for a weapons offense. An apartment resident called 911 and stated that Josh Cottrell, a 40 year old resident of Hayden, ID, was screaming and discharging a weapon inside his apartment. Another neighbor called 911 and stated bullets were coming through their front door. Once Deputies arrived on scene, more shots were heard coming from the apartment building and the bullets were seen exiting the exterior walls. Several deputies and two K9’s rushed towards the building to stop the shooting to ensure the safety of all the residents.
Cottrell was contacted and taken into custody without further incident. He was arrested for discharging a firearm at an occupied dwelling and booked into the Kootenai County Jail. The surrounding apartments were checked to ensure all residents were okay. No one was injured as a result of Cottrell’s actions. This incident is still considered active and is currently being investigated by the Kootenai County Detectives Division.
Sheriff Robert B. Norris
By: Sgt. Justin Arts