Police arrest Gabriel Rench during a Psalm Sing service held by Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho. Gabe Rench is a candidate for County Commissioner.
A “psalm sing” attended by more than 150 people Wednesday in the Moscow City Hall parking lot led to three arrests, including that of Latah County commission candidate Gabriel Rench.
Rench, a Moscow, Idaho Republican running against incumbent Moscow Democrat Tom Lamar in November’s election, was one of five people cited by Moscow police for suspicion of being in violation of Moscow’s mask/social distancing order, according to Moscow Police Chief James Fry.
Of the five cited, two also were arrested for suspicion of resisting or obstructing an officer. The fifth, Rench, was arrested but not charged with allegedly refusing to identify himself to police, according to Fry.
Fry said the officer who arrested Rench knew who he was but that Rench refused to provide his identification after the officer requested it.
Fry said none of the five cited were wearing masks or social distancing.
The five mask order citations were the first given by Moscow police, Fry said. The mask order took effect in early July and states face coverings must be worn in indoor and outdoor public settings where 6-foot social distancing cannot be maintained with nonhousehold members.
Those who violate the order are subject to a misdemeanor, which carries a maximum punishment of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Fry said officers preach community policing, “but at some point in time you have to enforce.” full story
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