KOOTENAI COUNTY, Idaho — A California man was arrested for an argument that ended with a backpack explosion during a gold mining event at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.
According to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, calls came in at around 1:15 on Saturday saying a backpack exploded during the event.
The sheriff’s office says two vendors at the event appeared to get into a dispute on Friday. On Saturday, the son of one of the vendors approached the other vendor and threw a backpack under the table.
The backpack caught fire and was quickly picked up and thrown outside.
21-year-old John P. Marsh of Midpines, California, was arrested for arson, aggravated assault, and obstructing a police officer.
The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue responded and rendered the backpack safe. KCSO said there were more accelerants inside the bag that did not ignite.
No injuries were reported and the event was able to continue as planned.
This incident is still under investigation.
© 2026 KAYU FOX 28. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted without written permission.
