Kellogg police respond to shooting at Silverhorn Inn

KELLOGG — An adult male from Nevada is being charged with aggravated battery following an incident that occurred on Sunday between him and his travel companion.

Kellogg Police Sgt. Paul Twidt told the News-Press that on Sunday, Nicholas Dinkins, 37, of Wells, Nev., was staying at the Silverhorn Motor Inn in Kellogg with a friend and the friend’s wife.

Around 1:30 in the morning, the two males got into an alcohol-fueled verbal argument that eventually led to a .40 caliber handgun being brandished by Dinkins. The second male then attempted to disarm Dinkins by reaching for it.

“We have a bunch of alcohol and two friends arguing to the point of almost a fist fight,” Sgt. Twidt said. “One grabs a gun, the other guy tried to grab the gun out of his hand and it goes off.”

The single shot ended up leaving the second male with a significant injury to one of his thumbs and hand.

KPD officer Patrick Rowe and medical crews from Shoshone County Fire District No. 2 responded to the incident after 911 had been called.

EMS transported the victim to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane for treatment of his injury.

Dinkins was booked into the Shoshone County Jail for one charge of aggravated battery.

It is unclear at this time if the discharge was on purpose or accident, but it is believed that the victim has mixed feelings about pursuing this and/or other charges.

The group was traveling together from Nevada and have been friends for many years.

Because of this incident, Sgt. Twidt would like to remind the public to be responsible with firearms and never use them under the influence.

“Alcohol and guns don’t mix,” he said.

Dinkins had his first court appearance at the Shoshone County Courthouse on Monday.