Media releases for up to the past 60 days are posted here. These releases have been provided to public officials and local news organizations (print, radio and television). Media releases are provided in the interest of keeping the public informed - they are not part of the investigation. Every effort is made to insure the releases are accurate. However, the releases are usually made during the preliminary investigation and the known facts may have changed as the investigation continued. The Lewiston Police Department strives to release information allowed by law and protect the identity of those persons protected by law such as juveniles.

		Robbery Investigation
		Fatality Collision Update
		Death Investigation
		Two arrested in stolen vehicle
		Daytime Vehicle Burglary Arrest
		Injury Accident
		Search Warrant

May 22, 2008	Case #:	08-L8460
Search Warrant		Capt Roger Lanier

On May 22, 2008, at approximately 7:18am the Lewiston Police Department SWAT Team executed a search warrant at 3206 10th Street in Lewiston. Intelligence obtained prior to execution of the search warrant indicated an elevated danger due to the possible presence of firearms and past history of the parties involved. The SWAT Team was used as a safety precaution. The search warrant was the result of an ongoing investigation into narcotics activity at that residence. Nez Perce Tribal Police, Federal Bureau of Investigations and Lewiston Police participated in the investigation and search warrant. The Idaho State Police Investigations and Clearwater County Sheriff's Office K-9 unit assisted in searching and processing the scene.

During the search warrant investigators discovered evidence of narcotics packaging and distribution as well as illegal firearms. Several items of evidence and firearms were seized. The Federal Bureau of Investigations will continue the investigation into the firearms violation. The Lewiston Police Department and the Nez Perce Tribal Police will continue their investigation into the narcotics violations.

Federal firearms violation charges and state narcotics violation charges are pending on Wesley L. Oatman, 24 of Lewiston. Misdemeanor charges are pending for other individuals who were present at the residence during the search warrant. The Lewiston Police Department SWAT Team is composed of members from the Lewiston Police Department, Clarkston Police Department and Nez Perce County Sheriff's Office. The Lewiston Police Department is committed to addressing drug issues in the Lewis-Clark Valley.

June 1, 2008	Case #:	08-L9150
Injury Collision		Cpl Brandon Hopple

On May 31, 2008, at approximately 11:10pm, Lewiston Police and Lewiston Fire responded to Snake River Avenue near Kiwanis Park for a single vehicle rollover accident. Upon arrival, officers located a 2000 Ford Explorer laying on its left side. The female driver was out of the vehicle and being attended to by citizens who had stopped to assist. The female driver was transported to St Joseph's Regional Medical Center by ambulance for injuries sustained to her left hand as a result of the collision.

Through investigation, it was determined the Ford Explorer had just left the parking lot at Kiwanis Park and headed north on Snake River Avenue. The Ford left the roadway and struck a telephone pole in front of Thiessen Oil, causing the vehicle to overturn onto its left side. Damage to the vehicle was estimated to be over $5,000.00 and damage to the telephone pole was estimated at $5,000.00.

Alcohol was not a factor in the collision and driver was wearing a seat belt.

June 3, 2008	Case #:	08-L9286
Daytime Vehicle Burglary Arrest		Cpl Eric Kjorness

On June 3, 2008 at 1148 hours officers from the Lewiston Police Department responded to the report of a vehicle burglary in progress in the parking lot of McDonald's restaurant located at 119 Thain Road. Upon arrival officers were able to locate and arrest a suspect. The suspect was identified as 33 year old Arthur Jason Powell of Lewiston.

Investigation revealed Powell had unlawfully entered a parked vehicle and was in the process of taking money from a purse in the vehicle when he was confronted by the female owner of the purse. Powell ran from the van toward Thain Road. A lawn maintenance crew working outside of the McDonald's heard the woman calling for help and they chased the suspect to the front of McDonald's. The workers grabbed the suspect and held him until officers arrived and placed Powell under arrest.

Powell was taken to the Nez Perce County Jail and booked on the charge of burglary (felony).

June 5, 2008	Case #:	08-L9406
Two men arrested in stolen vehicle		Cpl Phil Campbell

On June 5, 2008, at approximately 1:10am, Lewiston Police Officers responded to the area of 2400 Block of East Main for an attempted vehicle burglary in progress.

As officers arrived on scene, a green Suzuki Sidekick was seen leaving the immediate area. Believing this to be possible suspects fleeing the scene, a traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle in the 2300 Block of 8th Avenue.

The driver, 19 year old Steven Goss, and his passenger, 18 year old Christopher Melton, were both initially arrested for underage consumption of alcohol. Goss was also charged with driving without a drivers license.

Further investigation revealed the vehicle Goss and Melton were in had been stolen a short time before from the 700 Block of 9th Street. The owner of the Sidekick was contacted and was not aware his vehicle had been stolen form his residence.

Located inside the stolen vehicle were several items believed to be taken from other vehicle burglaries in the area. These items were taken as evidence until their owners could be determined.

In addition to the misdemeanor charges, both Goss and Melton were subsequently charged with Grand Theft, a felony, for their involvement with the stolen vehicle. Both are currently housed at the Nez Perce County Jail.

The investigation continues in regards to the recovered stolen property.

June 16, 2008	Case #:	08-L10087
Death Investigation		Lt Doug Clark

On 6/15/2008, at 11:29pm Lewiston Emergency Personnel responded to 3139 9th Street to a report of a suicidal person. Upon arrival, Lewiston Police Officers located a 29 year old female inside the residence who had suffered an apparent gunshot wound. Lewiston fire/paramedic personnel responded to treat the female, however medics determined she was deceased at the scene.

An autopsy has been ordered and the investigation is continuing.

June 20, 2008	Case #:	08-L8435
Fatality Collision Update		Lt Alan Johnson

On Friday, June 20, 2008, the Lewiston Police Department concluded its investigation into the motorcycle/vehicle collision which occurred on May 21, 2008 in the 700 Block of 21st Street. Adam N. Bennett died as a result of injuries suffered in the collision.

The investigation has determined that neither drugs nor alcohol were a factor in the collision. Speed of the motorcycle which Adam Bennett was driving was the factor. The investigation determined Adam Bennett was traveling in excess of sixty (60) miles per hour just prior to the collision. The complete investigation has been submitted to the Nez Perce County Prosecutor's Office and the City of Lewiston Prosecutor's Office for review.

July 23, 2008	Case #:	08-L12656
Robbery Investigation		Sgt Budd Hurd

On 6/23/08, at approximately 10:00pm, Lewiston Police Department officers responded to a report of an armed robbery at the Kentucky Fried Chicken, 620 21st Street. The female victim stated she had just gotten off work and was getting her keys out, when a later model full sized Dodge pickup drove into the parking lot. The victim advised police two white males exited the pickup with ski masks on and one displayed a knife, told the victim to hand over her purse. After complying with the demand the suspects looked through the purse and then left the area.

The driver of the pickup was described as a white male, with a full black ski mask and dark colored pullover t-shirt, blue jeans and white tennis shoes. The passenger was also a white male, approximately 5'6" and very heavy set. He was also wearing a white t-shirt, blue jeans, dark colored shoes and a full black ski mask.

The vehicle is described as a later model Dodge pickup, extended cab with four doors; diesel and dark green in color with a chrome strip down the side. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the Lewiston Police Department.