Deputies at Blaine County Jail had their hands full over Halloween weekend with a 41-year-old woman who had been arrested on multiple battery charges Friday night at The Mint.
Blaine County Sheriff Walt Femling said that while incarcerated, Lori Brutsche-Ely, a Twin Falls resident, struck two detention deputies and bit one patrol officer on the shoulder. He said two of the officers required medical attention. He said Brutsche-Ely also set off a sprinkler head, causing her jail cell to flood.
Hailey Police Chief Jeff Gunter said Brutsche-Ely was arrested on suspicion of two counts of battery, two counts of battery on a police officer, one count of restricting and obstructing police, one count of disturbing the peace and one count of indecent exposure.
Prior to her arrest, Gunter said, Brutsche-Ely was escorted out by security at The Mint because she had allegedly threatened patrons and attempted to steal beer. Gunter said she also punched and kicked one of the arresting officers.
"She was completely out of control and unclothed," Gunter said.
He said Hailey police subdued her and placed her in a patrol car. Femling said Brutsche-Ely was arraigned on video at the Blaine County Jail on Monday.
Femling said that due to Brutsche-Ely's behavior in jail, he anticipates the filing of additional charges.
"We're still in the process of investigating," he said.
Despite the chaos allegedly caused by Brutsche-Ely, Gunter said that overall, it was a good Halloween.
"It was one of the best Halloweens we've ever had," he said. "Usually on Halloween we get bombarded the next day with vandalism calls, but it didn't happen this year."
