$10K reward offered for info into racial incident

COEUR d'ALENE — The chairman of the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee said Thursday he is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individuals "who committed crimes against the University of Utah's Women's Basketball Team members in Coeur d'Alene on March 21."

"Words are not enough," Brent Regan said in an email to The Press.

He also wrote that, "Visitors to Kootenai County, especially young women, should feel safe on our streets."

Tony Stewart, secretary of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations, said they welcome the offer of a $10,000 reward by Regan. 

"Any assistance such as an award that can help in the investigation that can possibly lead to solving this case is significant," Stewart wrote in an email. "In the past, we have had generous offers of awards from our supporters in cases that were most helpful. Any case that the police can solve is a step for justice plus it sends a message that we will not tolerate such illegal actions in our community."

The University of Utah’s women’s basketball team was a target of racism in downtown Coeur d’Alene last week, officials said Tuesday. 

According to a statement from the University of Utah, there were two separate encounters Thursday.

“First, as the traveling party was walking to a restaurant for dinner in the vicinity of their hotel, a vehicle drove by and occupants shouted racial epithets at the group,” the statement said. “Second, on the walk back to the hotel, a vehicle slowly passed the group, revving its engine with its occupants again shouting racially disparaging words and threats.”

The incidents occurred shortly after the traveling party arrived in the area to participate in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament’s first and second rounds, hosted by Gonzaga University in Spokane. 

Utah and UC Irvine were both staying at The Coeur d'Alene Resort.

Local officials condemned the incident and apologized during a press conference Tuesday in Coeur d’Alene. 

Coeur d'Alene police said Thursday an investigation continues. They are hoping to speak to witnesses and are seeking video footage of the incident.