Press Release from Coeur d’Alene Police Department
The Coeur d’Alene Police Department is still investigating a shooting that occurred at the 76 Gas Station, located at 1750 W. Appleway Ave.
On Friday, January 3, 2025, at approximately 3:00 p.m. Coeur d’Alene Police Officers responded to the 76 Gas Station for a reported shooting. Officers located three males on scene and all three were detained. One male was suffering from two gunshot wounds to his upper torso. CDA Fire personnel responded to the scene and transported the male to Kootenai Health for treatment.
Detectives were called to the scene to investigate the circumstances of this incident. They determined Fausto Labonte-Lovato was driven to Coeur d’Alene by a friend from Spokane. Labonte-Lovato was responding to an online ad to purchase $60 worth of jewelry from Nathaniel Mendenhall, and they agreed to meet at the 76 Gas Station. Once they met up, Labonte-Lovato took the jewelry and tried to leave without paying Mendenhall. As Labonte-Lovato and the driver were driving away, Mendenhall fired several shots, striking the driver two times, preventing him from leaving. Officers arrived a short time later.
Fausto Robert Labonte-Lovato is an 18-year-old male from Spokane. Labonte-Lovato was arrested for Grand Theft and was booked into the Kootenai County Jail.
Nathaniel Scott Mendenhall is a 19-year-old male from Coeur d’Alene. Mendenhall was arrested for Aggravated Battery and Aggravated Assault. He was also booked into the Kootenai County Jail.
The driver of the car is in stable condition at Kootenai Health. Currently he is not facing any charges. Anyone who may have been at the 76 Gas Station when this occurred and has information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Coeur d’Alene Police Department.
