LEWISTON, ID – A Lewiston man faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges following an incident involving a firearm on Saturday.
According to court documents, police responded to reports of a weapon offense at approximately 4:40 p.m. on April 12 in the 3300 block of 9th Street. Witnesses reported that 23-year-old Peyton C. Franklin was allegedly intoxicated and involved in an argument with another individual. During this confrontation, Franklin allegedly loaded an AR15-style firearm and pointed it toward the individual and a nearby home occupied by multiple adults and children.
When officers arrived at Franklin’s residence on Powers Avenue, Franklin reportedly ignored repeated commands, retrieving the firearm from his vehicle and taking it into the residence. Officers noted Franklin appeared intoxicated and non-compliant, requiring multiple commands before eventually cooperating.
Upon further investigation, police say Franklin admitted to officers that he had consumed alcohol earlier in the day. Breath tests later confirmed Franklin’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was between .149 and .164, significantly above the legal limit of .08.
Court documents say police recovered the firearm inside Franklin’s home, noting that a silencer, observed earlier by witnesses, had been removed and concealed, which led to an additional concealment of evidence charge. Additionally, officers found a loaded magazine with rounds on the front passenger seat of Franklin’s vehicle, matching the firearm involved.
Franklin was booked into the Nez Perce County Jail. Official charges include aggravated assault and concealment of evidence. Franklin also faces misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence, driving without privileges due to a previous suspension, and resisting and obstructing officers. Franklin’s Bond was set at $50,000 on Monday.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, with officers reviewing additional evidence, including body and car camera footage, witness statements, and photographs taken during the event.
