Lewiston, Idaho Woman Faces Felony Charge After Allegedly Spraying Bus Driver, Passenger, and Officer
A Lewiston woman is facing felony and misdemeanor charges following an alleged attack at a city transit bus stop that left a bus driver and another individual sprayed in the eyes, according to a recently filed affidavit in Nez Perce County District Court.
Dora M. Birch was arrested Monday, April 20, on a charge of battery upon certain personnel — a felony under Idaho law — according to the probable cause affidavit and an attached police report filed in connection with the case.
Officers with the Lewiston Police Department were dispatched at approximately 12:02 p.m. to a bus stop on Lincoln Street after receiving a report that a bus driver and at least one other individual had been sprayed in the eyes. Details surrounding the specific substance used in the alleged attack were not included in the materials available at the time of this report.
Felony Battery Charge Under Idaho Law
Under Idaho law, battery upon certain personnel — including public transit employees and law enforcement officers — carries elevated criminal penalties compared to standard battery charges. The classification as a felony reflects Idaho’s recognition that attacks on workers performing public duties represent a heightened threat to public safety and the functioning of community services.
The incident unfolded aboard or near a Lewiston city transit bus, a public transportation service used daily by residents across Nez Perce County. Bus drivers and transit workers interact with a wide cross-section of the community, and Idaho law affords them specific legal protections when they are victimized in the course of performing their duties.
Birch faces both felony and misdemeanor charges, according to court documents, though the full accounting of all charges was not detailed in the affidavit materials reviewed for this report. The case has been filed in Nez Perce County District Court.
Lewiston Police Respond to Lincoln Street Bus Stop
The Lewiston Police Department responded to the Lincoln Street location following a call reporting that both the bus driver and a passenger had been sprayed. Officers arriving on scene made contact with Birch, and an officer was also allegedly sprayed during the encounter, according to the probable cause affidavit. That additional allegation may factor into the battery upon certain personnel charge, given Idaho law’s specific protections for law enforcement officers subjected to such attacks.
The Lewiston Police Department has not issued a formal public statement regarding the arrest beyond what is documented in court filings. The investigation is ongoing, and additional details may emerge as the case proceeds through Nez Perce County District Court.
Birch’s arrest comes as Lewiston law enforcement has remained active on multiple public safety fronts in recent weeks. The city and surrounding area have seen separate public safety concerns, including a mountain lion euthanized near Lewiston after an urban sighting raised alarms, and authorities were also involved in a mountain lion encounter on the Lewis-Clark State College campus that similarly required a law enforcement response to protect public safety.
What Comes Next
Birch’s case will proceed through Nez Perce County District Court, where she will face arraignment and the formal legal process following her April 20 arrest. As a defendant charged with a felony, she is entitled to legal representation and the presumption of innocence until a court determines otherwise.
If convicted on the felony battery charge, Birch could face significant penalties under Idaho law, including potential prison time. The misdemeanor charges, if proven, would carry additional penalties.
Nez Perce County News will continue to follow this case as it moves through the court system. Residents with information relevant to the incident are encouraged to contact the Lewiston Police Department directly. For broader coverage of public safety and criminal justice matters across Idaho, visit Idaho News and Idaho News Network.