Kootenai County man charged with aggravated assault

COEUR d’ALENE — Eric M. Johnson, 30, is charged with aggravated assault, a felony, and domestic battery, a misdemeanor, after police said he threatened a woman with a knife.

First District Judge Tristan Poorman ordered on Friday, Jan. 2, that Johnson be held on $100,000 bail. 

The charges stem from Jan. 1, when deputies with the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported domestic dispute. 

A woman at the Kootenai County residence told police that she and Johnson had argued on New Year’s Eve but resolved the issue. Hours later, around 5 a.m., the woman said Johnson became agitated, shouting at her and pushing her. 

She said Johnson grabbed a knife from a knife block in the kitchen, pointed it at her and then threw it at her, according to court records. The knife did not hit the woman, she said, instead landing near the sink. 

The woman said Johnson grabbed her by the throat when she threatened to call the police. He later retrieved a second knife from the knife block. Johnson allegedly pointed the knife at the woman and threatened to kill her. 

Police found a knife on the windowsill above the kitchen sink and another knife on the floor in the living room, according to court records. 

When questioned by police, Johnson said he and the woman had argued but denied that any physical altercation occurred. 

“It was strange that Johnson was bringing up terms such as ‘knife fight’ and ‘knife assault’ when I had not suggested this had occurred,” a police report said. 

In Idaho, aggravated assault is punishable by up to five years in prison, while domestic battery carries a maximum punishment of up to a year in jail. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual abuse, reach Safe Passage 24/7 by calling 208-664-9303 or texting 208-449-7228.