A 64-year-old Wallace man is being held in Shoshone County on $20,000 bond following two separate violent incidents at a Silver Street residence, including a shotgun blast fired inside the home over a light being left on.
Robert C. Dubois Jr. was arrested Friday, Aug. 7, and made his initial appearance Monday before Magistrate Judge Keisha Oxendine in Shoshone County Magistrate Court. He faces two felony charges — unlawful discharge of a firearm at a dwelling and aggravated assault — along with a misdemeanor count of malicious injury to property.
Two Incidents Separated by Weeks
The case against Dubois stems from incidents occurring roughly seven weeks apart. Shoshone County deputies were called to the Silver Street address following a domestic disturbance report that originated on Aug. 6, after Dubois returned from a trip to Lewiston.
During that episode, Dubois allegedly struck the couple’s dogs with punches and kicks while they were still in the vehicle. As the victim attempted to leave the scene, Dubois allegedly hurled a cinder block from the porch that connected with the windshield of her vehicle — landing roughly two feet from where she was seated. Authorities indicate the victim spoke to Dubois as she departed, asking him not to destroy things, but the confrontation continued. Dubois is also accused of destroying a wooden chair belonging to the victim during the encounter.
The more alarming allegation involves a June 16 incident in which Dubois allegedly fired a shotgun inside the residence because a light had been left on. The blast struck a television set and the surrounding wall. Another person was present in the home at the time. Investigators recovered a Winchester 1300 Defender 12-gauge shotgun and located a spent 12-gauge 00 buckshot shell inside the firearm. The victim later described it as a “really scary moment,” as reported by the Shoshone News-Press.
Charges and Potential Penalties
The felony charge of unlawful discharge of a firearm at a dwelling carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison under Idaho law — the most serious count Dubois faces. The aggravated assault charge brings a potential maximum of five years imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000. The misdemeanor malicious injury to property conviction could result in up to one year in jail and a fine not to exceed $1,000.
Dubois remained in custody as of the time of his initial appearance. His next scheduled court date is Aug. 16 in Shoshone County Magistrate Court.
Community Safety in Focus
Cases like this one serve as a reminder of the work Shoshone County law enforcement regularly performs in response to domestic disturbances — situations that frequently involve escalating danger for victims and bystanders alike. The proximity of the cinder block strike to the victim, combined with the interior discharge of a shotgun, illustrate the serious physical risk that allegedly characterized both episodes.
Shoshone County residents seeking to report concerns or suspected criminal activity are encouraged to contact the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office directly. Public safety in smaller communities depends heavily on community awareness and timely reporting.
Dubois is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
What Comes Next
Dubois is scheduled to return to Shoshone County Magistrate Court on Aug. 16 for his next appearance before Judge Oxendine. The proceedings will determine how the case moves forward — whether toward a preliminary hearing, potential plea negotiations, or further arraignment on the filed charges. Prosecutors will likely present the recovered firearm and physical evidence as part of the record. His $20,000 bond remains in place pending any further court action.
For additional coverage of public safety and law enforcement news across the region, visit Kootenai County News and stay with Shoshone County News for local public safety updates throughout the Silver Valley.