Bonners Ferry woman charged with assault and battery

BONNERS FERRY — A Bonners Ferry woman is charged with four felonies relating to battery and aggravated assault, some of which were allegedly against members of law enforcement.

Law enforcement responded to an in-progress domestic disturbance on Dec. 8, 2022, when they encountered the alleged victim outside the residence. The individual told officers that she and Tia Elaine Hawks, 32, had had an argument. When she attempted to leave, she was allegedly hit from behind on her head by Hawks and her vehicle was damaged.

Hawks was arrested after an alleged domestic assault taking place outside her residence.

BFPD officer Scott Davis wrote that he noticed swelling along the alleged victim’s face. She said she wished to press charges.

She told law enforcement that Hawks was in the house. In the probable cause affidavit, law enforcement officers wrote that they knocked on the door, but there was no response. However, one of the home’s residents allowed officers entry through the garage.

Hawks was found sitting in the bathtub where she was told she was under arrest. According to court records, later during her arrest she allegedly lunged to grab a kitchen knife.

Officers secured her arms and attempted to place her in handcuffs. Hawks resisted and when officers placed her on the floor, she refused to stand up. Court records indicate due to the struggle, Hawks received a cut on her chin from hitting the floor.

Officers were able to escort her out of the house. Hawks allegedly kicked an officer in the leg aiming for his crotch. Officers wrote in an affidavit that Hawks was screaming obscenities and they wished to avoid trauma to children nearby and placed her in the garage to minimize contact.

Again Hawks allegedly kicked the same officer in the knee.

Emergency services arrived on scene and transported Hawk to the hospital as a precaution, court documents said. BFPD Officer Brandon Johnson rode with Hawks in the ambulance, where she allegedly flicked her blood onto his face and chest.

After the hospital visit, Hawks was sent to the Boundary County jail. Bond was set to $5,000 and a no contact order has been issued.

At the initial hearing on Dec. 9, 2022, Magistrate Judge Justin W. Julian found probable cause, but not for aggravated battery, dropping one count of felony.

Hawks is facing three counts of battery.

She waived her preliminary hearing on Jan. 13 and the case will move to district court on Feb. 8.