Idaho Falls Man Found Guilty After Trial for Assaulting and Resisting Officers

Christian James Markmiller claims he was disobeying an unlawful order during the incident.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A jury in Idaho Falls has found a 45-year-old man, Christian James Markmiller, guilty of punching and obstructing police officers during an incident in June 2026. Markmiller claims he was disobeying what he believed to be an unlawful order from the officers, who were initially responding to a possible DUI call. Markmiller was charged with felony battery on a police officer and misdemeanor resisting arrest.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between citizens' rights to film police and officers' authority to maintain order and safety at a scene. Markmiller argued he was exercising his First Amendment rights, while police claimed his aggressive behavior was interfering with their duties. The verdict raises questions about the boundaries of civil disobedience and how far individuals can go in defying police orders.

The details

According to court documents, the incident occurred on June 14 outside an Idaho Falls restaurant. Police were investigating a possible DUI when Markmiller began recording the traffic stop on his phone and circling the officers, yelling derogatory remarks. Officers told Markmiller he could record but needed to stay back, but he continued to approach them. When an officer warned Markmiller he would be arrested if he didn't step back, Markmiller took a step forward and struck the officer. A struggle ensued, with Markmiller resisting arrest by kicking and pulling away.

  • The incident occurred on June 14, 2026 outside of O'Brady's Family Restaurant in Idaho Falls.
  • Markmiller's trial began on January 26, 2027 and lasted until January 27, 2027.
  • Markmiller is scheduled to be sentenced before District Judge Brendon Taylor at 11 a.m. on March 25, 2027.

The players

Christian James Markmiller

A 45-year-old Idaho Falls resident who was found guilty of felony battery on a police officer and misdemeanor resisting arrest.

Officer Matthew Rosales

An Idaho Falls police officer who was involved in the incident with Markmiller.

Officer Jordan Landon

The Idaho Falls police officer who Markmiller is accused of striking.

Kelly Mallard

Markmiller's defense attorney who argued his client was exercising his rights by disobeying what he believed to be an unlawful order.

Patsy Tucker

The Bonneville County Deputy Prosecutor who prosecuted the case against Markmiller.

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What they’re saying

“I believe that when the state, the government gives us an unlawful order, we as American citizens have a duty to disobey.”

— Christian James Markmiller (EastIdahoNews.com)

“He was getting really close to officers circling, screaming profanities, and being aggressive; therefore, we just advised them to keep a safe distance at that time.”

— Officer Matthew Rosales, Idaho Falls Police Officer (EastIdahoNews.com)

“We have a right to film from a public sidewalk, and if cops are able to order us to not do these things, we and if we just comply with those, we lose those rights.”

— Christian James Markmiller (EastIdahoNews.com)

What’s next

Markmiller is scheduled to be sentenced before District Judge Brendon Taylor at 11 a.m. on March 25, 2027. He faces a potential punishment of six years in prison and/or a fine of up to $51,000.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between citizens' rights and police authority, with Markmiller arguing he was exercising his First Amendment rights while officers claimed his behavior was interfering with their duties. The verdict raises questions about the boundaries of civil disobedience and how far individuals can go in defying police orders, even if they believe those orders are unlawful.