Man gets jail sentence for hitting man with crowbar

A Pullman man was sentenced Wednesday to 30 days in jail and probation for hitting a man with a crowbar and breaking the victim's arm.

Russell E. Farmer, 39, pleaded guilty to felony aggravated assault, and a count of burglary was dismissed pursuant to an agreement.

Second District Judge Jeff Brudie imposed the 30-day jail term with credit for the 20 days Farmer already served in jail and placed him on probation for three years. Brudie entered a withheld judgment, meaning if Farmer successfully completes probation the charge could be dismissed.

Farmer had traded threatening texts with a man and Farmer's ex-girlfriend this summer. On July 15, he kicked in the door to a home on the 600 block of Warner Avenue in Lewiston and chased the victim with a crowbar. The victim ran out the back of the residence but tripped over a fence. Farmer stood over the man and hit him two to three times with the crowbar and then fled in a vehicle.

Witnesses reported Farmer said nothing after barging in and attacking the man.

The victim was taken to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, where he was treated for a broken left arm.

Defense and prosecution jointly recommended probation. Farmer has prior misdemeanor convictions for battery and disturbing the peace. This is his first felony conviction.

Nez Perce County deputy prosecutor Anne Kelleher requested $843.22 in restitution to the hospital for treating the victim and a $1,000 civil penalty to be paid to the victim.

Farmer was given the opportunity to report to serve his jail time by Monday. He apologized for injuring the victim and said he let his anger overtake his judgment.

"I will take whatever punishment you feel is necessary," he told Brudie. "People who know me know that 99 percent of the time I'm a decent guy. I know I have anger issues. I'm working on it."

---

Holm may be contacted at tholm@lmtribune.com or at (208) 848-2275. Follow him on Twitter @TomHolm4.