Witnesses say fistfight spawned Coeur d’Alene Fourth of July shooting

New details about a Fourth of July shooting in Coeur d’Alene emerged Tuesday in Kootenai County Magistrate Court, where two witnesses described a fight that led to a handgun being fired toward them before the suspected shooter fled and allegedly exchanged gunfire with police.

Jawaun Anderson, 23, said a fist fight with Tyler Reece Rambo, 18, who is accused of attempted murder, turned into a struggle for a handgun that was eventually fired near Anderson’s head, according to court documents.

Both Anderson and Rambo were reportedly drunk the night of the shooting.

Anderson said he and Rambo had a fight about a week prior at a house party, according to court documents. When Anderson tapped Rambo on the shoulder on the Fourth of July, he said Rambo punched him and they went to the ground fighting.

Then, Anderson said, Rambo allegedly pulled out a handgun, which Anderson said was the same gun police recovered at the scene of the officer-involved shooting, according to court documents.

Jazmin Smith, 20, Anderson’s girlfriend, said she hit the gun away from her with her hand and yelled, according to court documents.

Then Anderson said he slapped the gun before Rambo fired it, according to court documents. Anderson said he felt the bullet come close to his face.

After the gun was fired, Anderson said Rambo ran from the beach.

Eight officers reportedly chased Rambo after a report of gunshots near the beach just after fireworks concluded and followed him to near the park basketball courts.

After Rambo did not respond to multiple commands to drop his weapon and a stun gun was unsuccessful, he turned toward the officers and fired a single shot from a revolver, police said.

The officers returned fire, striking him at least 10 times, according to police.

The investigation into the officer-involved shooting is ongoing.

Rambo was arrested Sept. 12, about a month after he was released from the hospital with his legs amputated. His bail was set at $1 million on the attempted murder charge and an aggravated assault charge.

Rambo’s attorney, Rick Baughman, argued in the preliminary hearing Tuesday for the attempted murder charge against Rambo to be dismissed because he did not intend to kill anyone or show malice, according to court documents.

Deputy Kootenai County Prosecutor Jed Whitaker said malicious intent is implied by pulling a trigger on a gun, according to court documents.

Judge Robert Burton found there was probable cause for the attempted murder charge and decided the case should be litigated in Kootenai County District Court.