Idaho man suspected of 2002 California kidnapping and rape arrested

KOOTENAI COUNTY — A 49-year-old man was arrested aft constabulary opportunity he was connected nan tally for 22 years aft allegations of kidnap and rape.

Eric J. Ferguson of Rathdrum, was arrested Thursday nighttime by nan Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, nan Coeur d’Alene Police Department, and nan U.S. Marshals Service.

According to a news merchandise from nan Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, Ferguson was wanted by nan Oakley Police Department successful California connected charges stemming from a 2002 kidnap and rape of a kid nether 18 years old.

The Superior Court of California issued an apprehension warrant for Ferguson connected Thursday, charging him pinch rape of an incompetent person, forcible oral copulation, and kidnapping for rape.

Ferguson is being held astatine nan Kootenai County Jail while he awaits extradition backmost to California.

“Kootenai County is simply a safer spot because Ferguson is now successful jail,” Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris says successful a news release. “A firearm was utilized successful this alleged convulsive intersexual attack, and nan fishy needs to beryllium held accountable for his actions”.

Brent Bunn, United States Marshal for nan District of Idaho, says nan collaboration of aggregate rule enforcement agencies brought them 1 measurement person to bringing justness to nan unfortunate successful this case.

“The persistence of nan Oakley Police Department detectives passim this investigation was exceptional,” says Bunn successful nan release.

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office besides thanked nan USMS, Coeur d’Alene Police Department and nan Oakley Police Department for their assistance and collaboration successful nan investigation and apprehension of Ferguson.