CLARKSTON, WA – A Clarkston woman was arrested early Thursday morning following a welfare check outside of a closed business that led to a confrontation with police.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed in Asotin County Superior Court, 36-year-old Melody Hutchins was taken into custody around 2:30 a.m. on November 7 after officers responded to a report of a person pacing outside the US Foods Chef’Store on Port Drive.

The responding officer from the Clarkston Police Department stated in a report that a caller reported someone smoking and walking around the store for about an hour. When the officer arrived, he found a woman dressed in black clothing lying near shopping carts in front of the business.

After identifying herself as Hutchins, the officer recognized her from previous encounters and confirmed she had an active warrant for failure to appear on a trespassing charge. When advised of the warrant, Hutchins allegedly became uncooperative, arguing about the arrest and refusing to place her hands behind her back.

The officer reported that Hutchins began pulling away and yelling profanities as he attempted to handcuff her. An assisting Asotin County Deputy arrived to help after the situation escalated. During the struggle, Hutchins reportedly pushed into the officer and grabbed a shopping cart while continuing to resist.

Once restrained, Hutchins was handcuffed and transported to the Asotin County Jail, where she was booked on charges of third-degree assault, resisting arrest, and her active warrant.

Hutchins appeared in court on Friday.  Bond was set at $10,000.  Her next court appearance is set for Monday.