Dispute over dog becomes violent

POST FALLS — A 23-year-old Post Falls man was arrested early Monday for allegedly battering his 59-year-old grandfather after being asked to leave a dog alone.

Derrick J. Arthun was booked into the Kootenai County jail for misdemeanor battery for allegedly hitting his grandfather four or five times in the face with a closed fist, head-butting him twice and throwing him to the floor.

"The (grandfather) said that he had earlier asked Derrick to leave the family dog alone," Post Falls Police Chief Scot Haug said. "(The grandfather) told us that he and his wife were sleeping when Derrick came into the room. He said at no time did he strike Derrick."

After officers responded to the home, the grandfather had scrapes to his arms, a bloody nose and mouth and blood coming from an eye. Kootenai County Fire and Rescue personnel responded to treat the grandfather on scene.

"It appeared that he had visibly been beaten up," Haug said.

Arthun denied doing anything wrong and told police that he intends to fight the charges. The police report states alcohol could be smelled on Arthun. He was arrested without incident.

"There wasn't any testing on him for alcohol or drugs like during a DUI because the bottom line, in the officer's opinion, is that the victim was battered," Haug said.

The grandparents told police that Arthun had been drinking and was possibly on drugs.

A police sergeant was pumping gas at the Gas Mart on Seltice Way shortly after 4 a.m. when the victim's wife left the house and reported the alleged incident to the sergeant there.

Haug said it's unclear why she reported the alleged battery that way, but the gas station is near the home in the 400 block of Ninth Avenue so it's possible she spotted the sergeant at the business.

Haug said Arthun told police he had "zero idea" on why his grandma left the residence to seek help.

Arthun posted $300 bond to be released from jail later on Monday. He has been booked into the local jail six previous times as an adult, including for obstructing, possession of drug paraphernalia and controlled substance, providing false information to law enforcement and DUI.