Firearm Found In Felons’ Motel

Two felons were arrested Wednesday for having a firearm in their possession, Spokane police said.

Keith Birch, 35, of Colbert, and Gary Gerard, 35, who gave his address as 5521 N. Post, were booked into the Spokane County Jail, where they were being held late Thursday without bail.

Both have felony records and cannot legally have firearms.

Police were called to the Motel 6 on Russell Road about 9:30 p.m. to investigate suspected drug dealing, spokesman Dick Cottam said. When they arrived, they were given permission by Gerard and Birch to search their motel room.

Inside, police found a loaded sawed-off shotgun and drug paraphernalia.