In brief: Manhunt expands for man who shot at police

A gunman who has twice opened fire on police officers in Central Washington this summer is the target of a growing state and federal manhunt.

No officers have been shot, but the attacks have authorities worried. The suspect, David Santos, has been on the run for nearly two weeks, according to a Grant County Sheriff’s Office news release.

Santos has managed to elude capture despite a manhunt that included, at points, 70 law enforcement officials. Santos has worked for years as a farm laborer, said Kyle Foreman, public information officer. That’s given him a distinct advantage. He knows the area and has allies willing to protect him, Foreman said.

Santos shot at Royal City police officers after they responded to a domestic violence call June 30. Santos fled and no officers were injured.

On July 3, he was pulled over, when he again shot at officers before abandoning his vehicle and fleeing into a nearby orchard. Officers found a live hand grenade next to the vehicle. Again, no officers were injured.

Law enforcement surrounded the field, however Santos escaped, stealing a car. That car was found July 4.

Reward offered in vandalism

The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest of individuals who vandalized a tribal fishing boat.

Employees arriving for work Tuesday morning found a racist message on the Dream Catcher and items taken from the boat, which was moored at Mosquito Park near Brewster, Washington. The line to the purse seine, used to net fish, was cut.

The boat is used to collect brood stock for salmon production at the Chief Joseph Hatchery.

“We release 2.9 million salmon yearlings per year,” said Randall Friedlander, the tribe’s fish and wildlife director. “These fish provide future returns for all of the fishermen throughout the entire river system.”

The boat is also used for a limited harvest of hatchery Chinook salmon, which are distributed to tribal members.

The tribe has stepped up security after the incident. Anyone with information is asked to call the Colville Tribal Police Department at (509) 634-2472.

Court selects chief justice

BOISE – Idaho Supreme Court Justice Jim Jones will become the court’s next chief justice Aug. 1, succeeding current Chief Justice Roger Burdick.

Jones, a former two-term Idaho attorney general, was first elected to the court in 2004.

Burdick’s term as chief justice ends July 31. After he opted not to run for a second term as chief, the justices elected Jones.

Inmate found dead in cell

An inmate in the Grant County Jail was found dead during a routine cell check shortly after 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

David B. Grande, 50, apparently hung himself, the sheriff’s office said. He was alone in his cell.

The Moses Lake resident was booked into jail Monday on charges of retail theft and third-degree theft as well as a District Court warrant.

Annual NIC beach party today

North Idaho College holds its annual beach party, Cecil’s Summer Splash, at NIC Beach 4-7 p.m. today. The event is free and open to the public.

The first 300 guests will receive Southern-style barbecue.

Five $1,000 student scholarships will be raffled at 6:30 p.m.