A Coeur d’Alene driver crashed through the fence at St. Thomas Cemetery early Friday morning, damaging multiple grave markers and prompting calls for enhanced safety measures at the historic burial ground. The incident left an estimated $10,000 in damages and marks only the second such accident at the North Idaho cemetery in more than three years.
Officers observed a red 2006 Volkswagen operating without taillights near 20th Street and Front Avenue around 2 a.m. The vehicle was heading east on Front Avenue when it breached the cemetery fence, striking and destroying one headstone while passing over several others. A larger headstone was knocked down during the collision. The vehicle came to rest approximately 50 feet into the cemetery grounds.
Investigation and Arrest
Zane Anthony Trevino was arrested at the scene and booked into Kootenai County jail early Friday morning. Officers detected an odor of alcoholic beverage from the vehicle during the traffic stop. Trevino was charged with driving under the influence and remained in custody as of Friday afternoon. He did not sustain injuries in the crash.
History of Cemetery Incidents
The collision marks a troubling repeat of a similar incident that occurred at St. Thomas Cemetery in February 2023, also involving alcohol. That accident also resulted in damage to cemetery property, including a rock headstone dating to 1943. The same 1943 headstone was struck again during Friday’s crash, making it the second time in approximately three years that the same grave marker has been damaged by a vehicle.
Prior to the February 2023 incident, the cemetery had gone more than three years without a similar accident involving a vehicle breach of its perimeter, according to cemetery officials.
Repair Timeline and Safety Concerns
Repairs to the cemetery are expected to take weeks to months, officials said. The extensive damage has renewed conversation about preventive measures to protect the burial ground, which serves the Coeur d’Alene community and surrounding areas in Kootenai County.
Tina Johnson, speaking on behalf of cemetery leadership, expressed concern about preventing future incidents. “Maybe we need Jersey barriers here,” Johnson said, suggesting physical barriers as a deterrent to vehicles entering the cemetery grounds. “We don’t want this to happen again,” she added.
The cemetery has undergone substantial improvements over the past five years, making the damage from Friday’s crash particularly frustrating for those responsible for its upkeep and maintenance.
Looking Forward
As repairs begin, St. Thomas Cemetery officials are likely to explore options for enhanced perimeter security and vehicle prevention measures. The recurring nature of these incidents—particularly the involvement of alcohol in both the 2023 and 2026 crashes—underscores the need for visible deterrents and possibly enhanced law enforcement monitoring in the area during late-night hours.