Mark Allen Daves, Assault, Idaho 2015

Tensed Man Sentenced for Assault in Idaho

A 51-year-old man from Tensed, Idaho, has been sentenced for assault after a heated confrontation with a hunter. Mark Allen Daves, a former San Diego jail deputy, was placed on two years of supervised probation and ordered to pay a $1,250 fine.

According to court documents, the incident occurred when Daves heard shots fired while he was in his home. He took his shotgun to investigate and fired it, confronting the hunter. An argument ensued, and Daves shot off all rounds in the shotgun, hitting the hunter in the chest.

The victim reported being afraid that Daves was going to use the shotgun to shoot him. Daves admitted to being fearful that the shotgun would be used against him. The two parties differed in their versions of how the shots were fired.

U.S. Chief Magistrate Candy W. Dale told Daves that she considered the offense to be serious and that jail time was necessary for specific and general deterrence. Daves will report to jail for four consecutive weekends as part of his probation term.

The case was investigated by the CDA Tribal Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson noted that the situation could have turned out tragically and urged people to call law enforcement if they have concerns, rather than taking matters into their own hands.

Daves pleaded guilty to the charge on January 21, 2015. He is prohibited from possessing firearms, drinking alcohol, or going to bars during his probation term. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of de-escalation and seeking help from law enforcement in potentially volatile situations.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-id/pr/tensed-man-sentenced-assault