HARPSTER, ID – The Idaho County Sheriff’s Office reports that a man was arrested late Sunday, August 31, after deputies responded to a report of suspicious activity in the Clearwater National Forest.

Dispatch received the call at approximately 11:02 p.m. near Lightning Creek Road and Forest Service Road 1106, close to Harpster. Deputies located a pickup truck parked in the roadway with two individuals cutting up a tree directly behind it.

K9 Rip was deployed during the stop and alerted to the vehicle. Following the search, deputies arrested 42-year-old James Blackeagle for felony possession of methamphetamine and misdemeanor possession of paraphernalia.

The Sheriff’s Office stated that addressing drug activity in remote areas, including National Forest lands, remains a priority due to the public safety risks it presents. Authorities noted that the charges are allegations at this stage, and all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.