Man accused of shooting 2 Bonner County deputies fit to face charges

SANDPOINT – An Idaho man accused of shooting two Bonner County sheriff’s deputies in January has been found to be mentally capable of facing the charges against him after spending time at a medical facility.

Adam Deacon Foster, 31, had previously undergone a mental health evaluation and was found to be dangerously mentally ill and unable to assist in his own defense, the Bonner County Daily Bee reported on Tuesday. But Bonner County Magistrate Court Judge Tera Harden said Foster is now ready to face two counts of attempted first-degree murder.

Foster is accused of shooting deputies Michael Gagnon and Justin Penn Jan. 16 as they and a third deputy went to his house to arrest him on a misdemeanor battery warrant. In connection to the warrant, Foster is accused of having made death threats and vowing to kill police if any stood in his way in carrying out a threat.

The deputies confronted Foster, who then bolted around the side of the house and opened fire on them, according to court testimony.

Gagnon, 53, and Penn, 30, were struck by incoming rounds fired by Foster’s .357 magnum revolver. But they managed to return fire and wound Foster, who surrendered without further incident, according to the testimony.

Gagnon and Penn were hospitalized with severe injuries and survived.

A preliminary hearing is set for Aug. 9.