LAPWAI, ID – The Nez Perce Tribal Police Department reported that 34-year-old Sigmund Patterson was arrested last month after an alleged break-in and sexual assault in Lapwai.
According to police, on July 25, 2025, Patterson had been provided temporary housing at the Assembly of God Church parsonage under the condition that he not consume alcohol. That same evening, police said Patterson was contacted by law enforcement in connection with a theft from Valley Foods in Lapwai.
In the early morning hours of July 26, dispatchers received a 911 call from a woman screaming for help. The caller reported that Patterson forced his way into her home, broke into her locked bedroom, and allegedly sexually assaulted her. Emergency medical crews transported the woman to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Officers located Patterson around 5 a.m. after finding him fighting with another man on U.S. Highway 12. He was arrested at the scene.
The Nez Perce Tribal Police, working alongside the FBI, transferred Patterson to the Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office after determining jurisdiction. Prosecutors in Nez Perce County charged him with rape, burglary, intentional destruction of a telecommunication line or instrument, and malicious injury to property.
Patterson’s bond has been set at $500,000. The Nez Perce Tribal Police Department expressed appreciation to the Sheriff’s Office, FBI, and emergency medical personnel for their assistance in the case.
