Mental evaluation ordered for kidnapping suspect | Crime

OROFINO, Idaho (AP) -- A judge has ordered a mental health evaluation for a 56-year-old Lewiston man charged with kidnapping a 6-year-old child and holding him at knifepoint while demanding a ride into Orofino.

The Lewiston Tribune reports Magistrate Judge Randall Robinson granted a motion from Roger Dale Ehler's attorney to have Ehler evaluated to determine if he is competent to assist in his own defense.

Ehler had been staying with a relative of the child's near Orofino on July 14 when he demanded that the boy's father give him a ride into town.

Ehler is charged with first-degree kidnapping, aggravated battery, injury to a child and possession of methamphetamine along with several misdemeanors.

Clearwater County Prosecutor E. Clayne Tyler agreed with the motion for the evaluation, but asked that Ehler's bond remain at $600,000.