LEWISTON, ID – A Lewiston man has been charged with a felony after allegedly damaging property inside the Nez Perce County Jail, according to court documents filed in Nez Perce County District Court.

Ty J. Weich, 29, is charged with one count of injuring jails, a felony under Idaho law. Records show the charge stems from an incident that allegedly occurred on Feb. 1. Weich was being held in the jail’s booking area related to a battery on a law enforcement officer charge, and several misdemeanor charges.

According to an affidavit for probable cause, staff with the Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office reported that Weich allegedly became hostile with jail personnel while housed in Group Holding #1. The affidavit states that Weich allegedly struck the walls and door of his cell with a jail-issued meal tray.

Court documents allege that Weich broke the bottom glass window panel of the cell door before allegedly striking a fire suppression sprinkler head inside the cell. The sprinkler reportedly ruptured, causing water to flood the booking area and surrounding cells until staff were able to shut the system off.

A maintenance technician estimated the cost to replace the damaged glass panel at approximately $1,500, with an additional $90 to replace the sprinkler head, according to the affidavit.

Weich was arrested and remained in custody.  A video arraignment in the case was set for Tuesday afternoon.