Idaho Resort Sues Alleged Chair Lift Slasher

A north Idaho ski resort has filed a lawsuit against a man resort officials believe slashed 62 ski lift seat cushions during the last two winter seasons.

The Bonner County Daily Bee reports the lawsuit filed by Schweitzer Mountain Resort earlier this month accuses 62-year-old David Markwardt of doing the damage. The complaint accuses Markwardt of intentionally cutting seat cushions on five chair lifts – including 15 seats on Jan. 15 – and causing nearly $70,000 in damages.

The resort is also asking a 1st District judge to permanently bar Markwardt from all of the Sandpoint-based resort properties.

Markwardt did not immediately return telephone messages left Friday by The Associated Press. He describes himself on social media sites as a retired physician living in Sandpoint.