By Kerri Sandaine
Lewiston Tribune
ASOTIN, Wash. — An Asotin County jury deliberated about three minutes before finding a Spokane man guilty of repeatedly hitting a police officer with a Bible.
Daniel W. Powell, 24, was sentenced Tuesday to 10½ months in jail for third-degree assault and resisting arrest in Asotin County Superior Court.
According to court documents, Clarkston Police Officer Darin Boyd spotted Powell walking along the 400 block of Fair Street on Oct. 19 and arrested him on outstanding warrants out of Clarkston and Spokane.
During the arrest, Powell was recorded on body cameras striking the officer with the book and refusing to comply with orders to stop. He reportedly yelled at police to quit disturbing his peace and talked gibberish throughout the encounter.
During the one-day trial before Judge Scott Gallina, evidence from the body cameras was presented to the jury. It only took a few minutes for them to render guilty verdicts.
Prosecutor Ben Nichols handled the case on behalf of the state and Public Defender Jane Richards represented Powell.
He was given the mid-range of the sentencing standard and credited for all time served.