Man charged in Orchards shooting will receive mental health treatment
Blake Chlumsky will be in the custody of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare as his case is put on pause
A Lewiston man charged for his alleged role in an officer-involved shooting was found unfit to proceed with his case.
Blake Chlumsky, 32, had a competency evaluation hearing Friday before Magistrate Judge Sunil Ramalingam at the Nez Perce County Courthouse. Chlumsky will be transferred to the custody of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and is scheduled to be taken to State Hospital North, a psychiatric hospital in Orofino, according to court documents.
Chlumsky is charged with two counts of first-degree attempted murder, two counts of assault with intent to commit a serious felony, eluding and an extended sentence for the use of a firearm, all felonies. Chlumsky allegedly shot at several law enforcement officers in the Lewiston Orchards when Lewiston police attempted to pull him over for a traffic violation. Chlumsky was shot by law enforcement in the altercation and taken to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and later to Spokane.
The documents signed by Ramalingam state that the court reviewed a mental health evaluation of Chlumsky and found that he was incapable of assisting in the defense of his case and wasn’t able to make informed decisions about his treatment. Chlumsky will be receiving treatment from the Idaho Department of Correction for a period not to exceed 90 days. Progress reports will be made on his condition and when he is able to continue with his case.
The document stated that the court also found that Chlumsky wasn’t “dangerously mentally ill,” outlined in Idaho code as someone who is in need of supervision in their treatment and care, presents risk of physical harm to other persons or needs maximum security treatment, according to Idaho code.
Chlumsky was represented by his public defender, Payden Ard, and deputy prosecutor Nathan Rupp was present for the Nez Perce County Prosecutor’s Office. Neither the defense nor the prosecution contested the findings of the evaluation, according to court documents.
Brewster may be contacted at kbrewster@lmtribune.com or at (208) 848-2297.
