Bannock County man accused of stealing gun, using it in robbery
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POCATELLO — A Bannock County man has been arrested and charged in a burglary and robbery.
James Andrew Scott, 35, has been charged with one count of robbery, one count of aggravated assault, one count of burglary, two counts of grand theft, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and one count of malicious injury to property.
According to court documents, on Sept. 5, the victim came to the Pocatello Police Department to report that her father’s handgun, a Beretta APX 9mm pistol, was stolen from a safe inside her home. According to the victim’s report to officer, the victim came home from the fair and found a chair outside her bedroom window. The screen had been removed, and a cardboard insert used for the air-conditioning was on the ground.
The victim said an iPad and money left near the window in her bedroom had been left untouched, but a gun was missing.
The victim provided police with information regarding a stolen gun, such as the serial number, and said other guns remained in the safe untouched. Documents do not say whether the safe had been left unlocked or was broken into.
Weeks later, on Sept. 21, officers received a report of a separate victim claiming Scott allegedly entered his home and pointed a gun at him. The second victim told officers that he had bought a vehicle from Scott, and they had a payment agreement, but Scott allegedly needed money urgently, so he came over with the gun.
Documents state that this victim told police that Scott came in through the home through the front door and broke his bedroom door off its hinges. A physical fight ensued, during which Scott allegedly brandished the handgun.
Scott allegedly took the car he had sold to the victim, a silver BMW, and left.
Another man witnessed the incident, according to court documents, and confirmed Scott’s identity.
After speaking with the second victim, documents state officers tried to contact Scott via phone, but Scott did not answer.
In the early morning of Sept. 22, law enforcement observed the silver BMW that Scott had taken the day before. Due to concern that Scott might have a gun, law enforcement set up a perimeter before approaching the home where the BMW was parked.
When they approached, law enforcement saw Scott leave the home and drove away in the car. Law enforcement returned to their vehicles and followed briefly before initiating a traffic stop.
Scott was placed under arrest without incident and transported to the Bannock County Jail.
The owner of the BMW arrived on scene and asked officers to search the vehicle before he took it back. Inside, officers allegedly found the stolen handgun and a container of THC wax.
If found guilty of the charges, Scott may face up to 54 years confinement and may be required to pay fines of up to $121,000.
Scott has been appointed a public defender. The Idaho State Public Defender’s Office does not comment on active cases.
Scott is expected to appear in court Sept. 30 for a preliminary hearing.
Although Scott has been accused of these crimes, that does not necessarily mean he committed them. Everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty.