LEWISTON, ID – A Lewiston woman was arrested on February 24th, and charged with felony battery on certain personnel following an incident involving local law enforcement.
According to an affidavit of probable cause filed in Nez Perce County District Court, officers responded to a report of theft at Liberty Mart North in Lewiston. The suspect, later identified as 51-year-old Melissa Ann Freand, was reported to have entered the store, consumed items, and left without paying. Officers located Freand near 20th Street North and 3rd Avenue North, where she was taken into custody for resisting and obstructing officers.
While being transported to the Nez Perce County Jail, Freand allegedly attempted to walk away multiple times. Upon arrival at the jail, she reportedly continued to resist, yelling and pulling away from officers. The affidavit states that she kicked an officer in the shin and knee before grabbing onto the officer’s holster. The officer broke her grip, after which she was handed over to detention staff.
Freand has been charged with battery on law enforcement, a felony under Idaho Code 18-915. Evidence in the case includes body camera and patrol car footage.
