Pocatello police arrested a 40-year-old woman on felony charges following an incident involving a knife and a home care worker earlier this month.
Shauntae Raelene Pahvitse faces one count of aggravated battery after officers responded to reports on Sept. 19 of a woman threatening a caregiver with a blade. The charge is a felony that carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and fines up to $50,000 if convicted.
According to the victim’s account, the altercation began when Pahvitse slapped her while she was seated in a recliner inside the home of the person she was caring for. The caregiver stated that she pushed Pahvitse back after being stood over by her. The victim alleged that Pahvitse then attacked her with a knife, leaving a mark on her tricep.
The confrontation ended with the victim fleeing the residence. She found herself locked out of the home without her phone or personal belongings inside. An officer climbed through a window to gain access to the property.
Law enforcement contacted a juvenile present in the house, who indicated that Pahvitse was located in the basement. Officers found Pahvitse had closed herself into a basement room. She was taken into custody without incident.
Pahvitse allegedly admitted to holding a knife during the attack but denied pointing or swinging it at the victim. Her description of the weapon changed during questioning; she initially identified it as a switchblade before later claiming it was a butter knife.
She was transported to Bannock County Jail for booking and is represented by a public defender. Pahvitse is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Sept. 30.