LEWISTON, ID – A Lewiston man is facing a felony charge after police say he attempted to conceal evidence and fled from officers during an encounter in the Lewiston Rosauers parking lot.
According to court records filed in Nez Perce County District Court, Elias J. P. Bradley has been charged with felony destruction, alteration or concealment of evidence. Prosecutors have also filed for a persistent violator sentencing enhancement, which could increase potential penalties.
Court documents say the charge stems from an incident on January 19, 2026, when Lewiston police responded to a report of a suspicious circumstance in the Rosauers parking lot on Thain Road. A store employee reported a man passed out inside a vehicle with suspected drug paraphernalia visible.
An officer responding to the call reported observing a man later identified as Bradley sitting in the driver’s seat of a white Buick Regal. The affidavit states the officer observed a transparent bag containing a light-colored substance between Bradley’s legs, along with material believed to be drug paraphernalia.
Court documents allege that, after he woke up, Bradley appeared disoriented and failed to comply with repeated commands to exit the vehicle and keep his hands visible. The officer reported that Bradley appeared to move his hands toward the suspected substance in what was described as an attempt to hide or conceal it.
According to the affidavit, Bradley then started the vehicle and fled the parking lot at a high rate of speed, despite officers’ commands to stop. The officer reported that the flight appeared intended to prevent law enforcement from discovering the contents of the bag.
Bradley was located in Lewiston on Tuesday, January 27, and taken into custody during a traffic stop. Court records state that during a subsequent arrest and search, officers located drug paraphernalia on Bradley’s person and inside his vehicle.
In addition to the felony charge, Bradley was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia, reckless driving, and resisting or obstructing law enforcement.
Bradley is expected to make his initial court appearance on Wednesday.
