Parker Toyota founder accused of pulling gun, released
Deputies say Doug Parker, 84, pointed a loaded gun at a man during an argument in February. Records show Sheriff Bob Norris directed his release from jail the same day. The charges were later dropped, and a plea is set for this month.
Downtown Coeur d'Alene at dusk. Stand-in until we have our own photo of the dealership.
Doug Parker, the founder of Parker Toyota, was booked into the Kootenai County jail on a felony charge on Feb. 27 after deputies say he pointed a loaded gun at a stranger during an argument. Within hours, records show, he was released on the order of Sheriff Bob Norris. The records were first reported Sunday by the Coeur d'Alene Press.
Parker, 84, was booked on a charge of aggravated assault a little after 2 p.m., the records show. Deputies identified him through his license plate.
A note on Parker's pre-booking sheet carries the call sign 2100. A source familiar with the sheriff's office told the Press that 2100 is Norris's call sign and that the note shows Norris directed the release. It is not clear how the sheriff learned of the arrest.
In an emailed statement, the sheriff's office said Norris has never met Parker, to his knowledge, and that he consulted with county prosecutor Stanley Mortensen about the arrest.
A week after the arrest, prosecutors charged Parker with aggravated assault, plus an enhancement for using a deadly weapon. Both were later dismissed. Parker is scheduled to enter an Alford plea and be sentenced this month. In an Alford plea, a defendant does not admit guilt but agrees prosecutors would likely win at trial.
What we know
- Parker was arrested Feb. 27, 2026, and booked on a felony.
- A booking note points to the sheriff's call sign.
- The aggravated assault charge and weapon enhancement were dismissed.
- An Alford plea and sentencing are scheduled for November.
What we don't know yet
- What charge Parker is pleading to.
- The date of the sentencing hearing.
- How the sheriff learned of the arrest.
- Whether Parker posted bond, or was simply released.
- Whether the sheriff has ordered other releases the same way.
- Parker's side of the story.
Sources
- Coeur d'Alene Press: Businessman released from jail hours after felony arrest, records show · Nov. 8, 2026
We report from public records and the sources above, in our own words. When we get something wrong, we fix it and note the fix here.