Local man accused of giving fake ID to police and kicking officers
Published at | Updated at
BLACKFOOT — An Idaho Falls man was arrested in Blackfoot after allegedly giving a fake ID to officers. He is accused of trying to assault officers during the incident.
Marcus Lashawn George, 21, has been charged with one count of battery on a police officer, a felony, and three misdemeanor counts: obstructing and delaying an officer, possession of a controlled substance and providing false information to law enforcement.
Court documents state that on the evening of Oct. 7, officers with the Blackfoot Police Department responded to an intersection in Blackfoot for a DUI investigation. George was a passenger in the vehicle, not the driver, but because George was also allegedly impaired, officers remained with George to determine whether someone could provide transportation for him.
When asked for his name, George allegedly identified himself with his brother’s name and provided law enforcement with a false date of birth. George allegedly supplied law enforcement with tribal and Idaho State University IDs, both of which had the false identity.
Court documents state officers noted the ID cards somewhat resembled George, but after reviewing more photographs and asking George to recite his Social Security number, which he failed to do, officers determined George’s real identity. After being confronted, George allegedly admitted he was Marcus George.
Documents report that George had outstanding warrants for his arrest. Officers took George into custody, during which documents state an officer noted the odor of marijuana. George allegedly told officers that he had smoked earlier in the day but did not have marijuana on his person or inside the vehicle. However, in a search of the vehicle, law enforcement allegedly found a THC vape inside the passenger-side door.
George was subsequently placed in the back of the patrol vehicle. Officers observed George allegedly lifting his abdomen and buttocks off the seat while in the back of the patrol vehicle. When officers asked what George was doing, he allegedly did not respond.
Court documents state officers observed George clenching his fist, and when officers tried to open George’s hand to see what, if anything, he was holding, George allegedly resisted. Documents allege George moved like he was preparing to kick one of the officers, prompting officers to remove him from the vehicle. While one officer detained George on the ground, the second officer searched the back of the patrol vehicle.
While the second officer was searching, George allegedly kicked the first officer attempting to detain him, prompting the second officer to stop the search and help regain control of George.
Both officers placed George in additional restraints and placed him back into the patrol vehicle before transporting him to the Bingham County Jail.
Court documents do not state whether officers found any hidden items in George’s possession or in the back of the patrol vehicle.
If found guilty of the charges against him, George may face up to 7.5 years’ confinement and may be required to pay fines of up to $53,000.
George has been appointed a public defender. The Idaho State Public Defender’s Office does not comment on active cases.
George is expected to appear in court on Oct. 22 for a preliminary hearing.
Although George has been accused of these crimes, that does not necessarily mean he committed them. Everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty.