Former NIC employee charged with battery on trustee

COEUR d’ALENE — A former North Idaho College employee was arrested Tuesday after he allegedly threw a bucket of liquid onto a college trustee.

Zach P. Shallbetter is charged with battery and malicious injury to property, both misdemeanors.

Shallbetter reportedly entered the Coeur d’Alene office Tuesday where North Idaho College Trustee Todd Banducci works.

Shallbetter allegedly passed through the reception area, entered Banducci’s office, verbally threatened and threw a “bucket of liquid” over Banducci, as well as Banducci’s desk and other office equipment, according to a news release issued by North Idaho College.

After Coeur d’Alene police responded to the scene, Banducci reportedly performed a citizen’s arrest.

In Idaho, police cannot make an arrest for a misdemeanor offense unless officers witnessed the alleged crime or obtain an arrest warrant. Private citizens may arrest someone for a misdemeanor if they witnessed the alleged crime.

Shallbetter had a one-year special appointment to teach web and graphic design at North Idaho College. His special appointment contract ended May 12, according to NIC.

The incident remains under investigation.