BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — On Saturday, February 22nd, citizens gathered in the Coeur d'Alene High School auditorium to speak with elected members of the Idaho Legislature about community issues. The peaceful event quickly became a viral video on social media, as one woman was dragged from the auditorium by private security.
Teresa Borrenpohl was removed from her seat by a private security company, Lear Asset Management, who dragged her out of the auditorium and tried to tie her hands with zip ties, while the Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris recorded the incident, encouraging her removal.
Attempting to break free, Borrenpohl bit one of the unmarked security guards. A statement released by the CDA Police Department says in part, "During the meeting, after speaking out of turn, Teresa Correnpohl was asked to leave. When she refused, she was physically removed by employees of Lear Asset Management, a private security firm hired by the event organizers."
In a video of the incident, Borrenpohl can be heard shouting, "Women deserve a voice," before being removed. CDA Police report that Lear Asset Management's business license has been revoked for violating Coeur d'Alene City ordinances regarding security agencies and agents. The CDA Police continue to investigate the incident and battery charges against Borrehpohl have been dropped by the prosecutor.
A GoFundMe started the following Sunday, asking people to donate for Borrenpohl's ability to find legal counsel for the fight ahead. The GoFundMe asked for 30 thousand dollars, as of publication it has raised $245,000.
The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office reports that Sheriff Norris's conduct is also being investigated by an independent probe to ensure that his actions did not violate the code of conduct or the law. CBS2 reached out to the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office to clarify whether or not the probe extended beyond Sheriff Norris and who would be running the investigation. The KCSO spokesman said in response that a party has not yet been determined and that no other KCSO employees were present at the event.
No comments:
Post a Comment