Arrest near Lancaster nets man with long record

A 44-year-old Post Falls man with an extensive criminal history who was wanted for a felony probation violation was arrested Thursday.

William L. Newman, who was initially charged with battery on a Moscow law officer and domestic battery in front of a child, was on probation after serving a prison term that was part of his 10-year-sentence.

In a report from Moscow police, Newman allegedly carried a baseball bat and was yelling obscenities when he drew a knife and confronted Moscow police. After an altercation involving three police officers, Newman was struck twice with a taser and was arrested.

Since then, he has been charged with more than nine probation violations, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies at noon Thursday stopped a vehicle near Highway 41 and Lancaster Road, but the driver sped away as deputies approached the car.

Deputies used an offensive driving technique to stop the car and Newman fled on foot but was wrestled to the ground by a police K-9, according to the sheriff’s office.

In addition to the latest probation violation, deputies charged Newman with giving false information to police and with possession of paraphernalia.

Since 2011, charges against Newman have also included aggravated assault, domestic battery and drug possession, according to the sheriff’s office.

Newman’s criminal history goes back to 1992 with convictions for felony assault. Newman was convicted in 1994 in Whitman County, Wash., of felony burglary and felony malicious mischief. He was also charged with intimidating a witness and burglary.

Newman, who is being held in the Kootenai County jail, will have his first court appearance today on the latest charges.