In brief: Buying fireworks online illegal, state fire marshal warns

As the Fourth of July approaches, state Fire Marshal Charles Duffy reminds people that purchasing fireworks online is illegal within the state of Washington.

Approved fireworks can only be purchased from a licensed fireworks dealer during the legal sales period, which can vary depending on local ordinances. The use of websites such as Craigslist to acquire fireworks also is forbidden.

Violating the state’s fireworks laws can incur a penalty ranging from a warning to a $1,000 fine based on the severity of the circumstances.

Staff reports

Spokane police are searching for a man suspected of robbing and pepper spraying a barista at a drive-through coffee shop last week.

Andrew Carr, 27, allegedly robbed the Hot Toddys Coffee Shop at West Francis Avenue and North Atlantic Street on June 10. Surveillance footage shows Carr pulling a knife and using pepper spray on the female employee, according to police.

Carr attempted to break into the cash register. He then stole the employee’s belongings and her car, police said. Officers found the car a few blocks away. The employee was not injured.

Kaitlin Gillespie

Anesthesiologist Dr. Kim Chen testified Thursday in a medical malpractice trial that he complied with standards of care when he treated Spokane architect Glen A. Cloninger, who died in 2010 after a simple kidney stone procedure.

“I did my very best,” Chen said, calling the death “unexpected and tragic.”

The doctor, testifying in his own defense Wednesday and Thursday, said there was no way Cloninger was deprived of oxygen as long as previous testimony indicated. Cloninger’s family is pressing the wrongful death lawsuit against Chen and Deaconess Hospital.

Chen said Cloninger’s airway suffered two spasms. The first one was easily controlled with medication and a breathing mask. After the second one, Chen noticed a change in heart rate and put a breathing tube back in within 90 seconds. He said after Cloninger’s heart stopped, it took more than 70 minutes of CPR before his heart started beating on its own.

Closing arguments are scheduled Monday.

Jennifer Pignolet