Pocatello woman arrested after knife attack on care worker
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POCATELLO — A Pocatello woman has been arrested after allegedly attacking a care worker who had been tending to another person.
Shauntae Raelene Pahvitse, 40, has been charged with one count of aggravated battery, a felony.
According to court documents, on Sept. 19, Pocatello Police responded to reports of a woman with a knife threatening a care worker.
Officers spoke with the care worker, who said she had been sitting in the recliner in the home of a person she cared for when Pahvitse allegedly slapped her in the face. The victim said Pahvitse was standing over her, so she pushed Pahvitse back to stand up and back away.
The victim further alleged Pahvitse attacked her with a knife, leaving a mark on her tricep area. The victim ran out of the home and was locked out with her phone and other belongings still inside.
To gain access to the home, an officer climbed through a window. Once inside, law enforcement made contact with a juvenile inside who told them Pahvitse was in the basement.
Pahvitse had allegedly closed herself into a room in the basement and was taken into custody without incident after law enforcement announced their presence, according to court documents.
In talks between officers and Pahvitse, Pahvitse allegedly told them she had been holding a knife when she attacked the care worker, but denied pointing it or swinging it at her, according to documents. Pahvitse first said the knife was a switchblade, but later said it was only a butter knife, according to police.
Pahvitse was arrested and transported to the Bannock County Jail for booking.
If found guilty, Pahvitse may face up to 15 years’ confinement and may be required to pay fines of up to $50,000.
Pahvitse is being represented by a public defender. The Idaho State Public Defender’s Office does not comment on active cases.
Pahvitse is set to appear in court Sept. 30 for a preliminary hearing.
Although Pahvitse has been accused of a crime, that does not necessarily mean she committed it. Everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty.