LAPWAI, ID – A Lapwai man was arrested last week following an alleged burglary and theft investigation in rural Nez Perce County, according to court documents.
According to court documents filed in Nez Perce County District Court, deputies with the Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office arrested Isaiah L. Rudolph, 25, on December 19 after responding to a report of a suspicious person near a shop along Goldner Road near Lapwai.
Court documents state a tribal officer was approached by a pedestrian who reported a suspicious male looking into a neighbor’s shop. The individual was described as a white male associated with a blue SUV. While driving through the area, an officer reported seeing a white male near a blue SUV parked in front of a residence.
The man allegedly identified himself as Rudolph. According to court documents, Rudolph told officers he noticed an anvil inside a shop that had its garage door open and allegedly entered the shop and removed the anvil. He reportedly told officers he planned to return it later but was unable to identify the property owner.
Deputies reported seeing an anvil inside the vehicle behind the passenger seat. According to court documents, the anvil was later estimated to be valued between $1,200 and $3,000. While being transported to the Nez Perce County Adult Detention Center, Rudolph allegedly made statements acknowledging the anvil had been taken from inside the shop. He also allegedly stated he had taken a chainsaw but returned it to the shop.
After the arrest, deputies contacted the property owner, who told officers the anvil and other items belonged to him and that no one had permission to remove anything from the property, according to court documents. The owner also reportedly stated he did not know Rudolph.
Rudolph was booked into the Nez Perce County Adult Detention Center and arrested without a warrant, according to court records.
Prosecutors have charged Rudolph with two felony counts: burglary, under Idaho Code, and grand theft by receiving or possessing stolen property.
