Man charged with battery after ‘Hands Off’ protest in Cd’A

COEUR d’ALENE — City prosecutors charged a man with battery after witnesses said he sprayed water at protesters during a demonstration in April. 

Jim Valentine of Post Falls is charged with battery, a misdemeanor. In court Tuesday, he pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charge. 

“I guess I don’t know what the battery was all about,” he said before entering his plea. 

Ryan Hunter, chief deputy city attorney for Coeur d’Alene, confirmed that the battery citation stems from the “Hands Off” rally April 5, though he could not discuss the details of an active case. 

Hundreds of people gathered that day at the intersection of U.S. 95 and Appleway Avenue to protest the administration and policies of President Trump. 

In an apparent counter-protest, at least a dozen vehicles repeatedly drove past the protesters while flying pro-Trump and Confederate flags, Valentine among them. 

Valentine passed the protest multiple times, driving a distinctive vehicle covered in pro-Trump stickers, depictions of the Virgin Mary, American and Confederate flags and other decorations, honking a horn that played the opening notes of “Dixie.” 

Witnesses told The Press that Valentine slowed down and sprayed water at some of the protesters. 

Coeur d’Alene police pulled Valentine over near the protest. 

Idaho law defines battery, in part, as “actual, intentional and unlawful touching or striking of another person against the will of the other.” 

In Idaho, misdemeanor battery is punishable by a maximum of six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.