Coeur d’Alene — In a recent development, city prosecutors have decided to dismiss a misdemeanor battery citation against a Post Falls woman, Teresa Borrenpohl, who was forcibly removed by plainclothes private security guards during a legislative town hall meeting. Furthermore, the city of Coeur d’Alene has revoked the business license of the security company involved.
The town hall, organized by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee and held at the Coeur d’Alene High School auditorium, descended into chaos when Kootenai County sheriff attempted to remove Borrenpohl from her seat for speaking out of turn. Despite her refusal to leave, three security guards from LEAR Asset Management forcefully dragged her out of the auditorium.
These guards, who were in violation of Coeur d’Alene city ordinances by not wearing uniforms identifying them as security, refused to disclose their identities or affiliations at the time.
Coeur d’Alene police officers were initially stationed outside the high school due to a reported threat against Rep. Jordan Redman, R-Coeur d’Alene, and only entered the building post-incident. According to a news release from the Coeur d’Alene Police Department, during the initial investigation, it was alleged that Borrenpohl bit one of the men involved in her removal, leading to her citation for battery.
However, further police investigation, including the review of video evidence, led to the decision to dismiss the citation. The new evidence provided a more comprehensive understanding of the incident, prompting the city prosecutors to act “in the interest of justice.”
In addition to dismissing the charges against Borrenpohl, the city has taken action against LEAR Asset Management by revoking its business license. The decision was based on the company’s failure to comply with Coeur d’Alene’s regulations requiring security personnel to be clearly identified.
The Coeur d’Alene Police Department emphasized its commitment to protecting the rights granted by the United States Constitution, including the right to free speech. They acknowledged the complexity of the incident and assured that detectives are diligently investigating all aspects.
