Citizen's arrest at Post Falls bar

A man who told police he was “asked to show a martial arts move” at a bar over the weekend was placed under citizen’s arrest.

Beniah V. Welke, 40, pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges of battery, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, all misdemeanors.

Police responded to a report of a fight at a Post Falls bar on the evening of Sept. 27.

Welke reportedly told police at the scene that he had been drinking with a group of people, one of whom asked him to show “a martial arts move he had made up.” He said he did not attack anyone.

He reportedly had blood on his face and pants, according to court records.

The alleged victim, a 24-year-old man, told police he was outside the bar with Welke and another person when Welke threw him to the ground “out of nowhere.” He said he had not asked to see any martial arts move.

The 24-year-old had visible cuts and scrapes, police said.

He advised police that he wanted to place Welke under citizen’s arrest for battery, court documents said.

Upon searching Welke, police reportedly found two pipes and a plastic container with a green leafy substance that was identified as marijuana.

Welke is being held on $5,000 bail. A judge also issued a no-contact order between Welke and the other man.