COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — The City of Coeur d’Alene is filing charges against members of a private security seen dragging a woman from a public town hall.
According to the city attorney’s office, Lear Asset Management’s Paul Trouette, Russell Runne, Christopher Berge, and Jesse Jones are all charged with battery and false imprisonment. Michael Keller is charged with battery and Alex Trouette IV is charged with security agent violations.
The charges stem from an investigation by the Coeur d’Alene Police Department into the security firm’s handling of a chaotic town hall in February.
At that town hall, Teresa Borrenpohl was forcibly removed. The discourse was caught on camera as Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris was seen directing security personnel to remove Borrenpohl and other protestors at the event.
You can watch a video of the incident here. WARNING graphic language.
The Kootenai County Republican Central Committee, who hosted the town hall, told 4 News Now the charges were “sketchy.”
KCRCC is now demanding answers, calling the police reports contradicting.
In a press release, KCRCC points to a line from the police report that reads:
“There was no direct statement by Norris stating that he was asking for their assistance.”
KCRCC said in its press release, “Sheriff Norris gave clear orders and security identified themselves all on video.
Coeur d’Alene city code requires that security agents wear uniforms clearly marked with the word “Security” on the front and back of the uniform. Video evidence from the town hall showed security agents did not comply with that code.
Another man who attended the town hall is also being charged with battery. Police records reveal he pushed one of Borrenpohl’s friends, Megan Kunz.
Kunz sent 4 News Now the following statement:
“I’m grateful to the Coeur d’Alene Police Department for their investigation and the City Attorney for their willingness to pursue justice. Taking up space in a public forum should not lead to violence. Full stop.”
An independent investigation is also being conducted into Sheriff Norris’ involvement. The Sheriff’s Office declined to comment when asked about the status of the investigation.
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