Kootenai County Jail staff halt escape attempt

KOOTENAI COUNTY, Idaho (CBS2) — Officials were able to stop an inmate from escaping Kootenai County Jail on Sunday.

Jesse Spitzer, arrested for burglary, pulled a metal leg off of his cell desk and used it to bash down his locked cell door. Police say he made several attempts to break windows and doors.

Officials locked down the jail, and police from multiple departments responded to secure the prison. They employed non-lethal deterrents including sting ball grenades, rubber bullets and tear gas.

Spitzer surrendered without any further incidents. A deputy sheriff had minor injuries, and other prisoners suffered the effects of the tear gas.

In the Kootenai County Jail, 78 percent of inmates were incarcerated for a felony offense, and the prison is short-staffed 24 positions.

"We have seen the failures of alternative bail programs, felony defendants released on a citation, or weak sentences on serious violent suspects across this country," Sheriff Robert Norris said. "They do not work. Holding the criminal populations accountable for their actions will help keep Kootenai County safe and provide an incentive for criminals to change their behavior."

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