Sheriffs to discuss possible regional jail

Kootenai County Sheriff Rocky Watson is considering teaming with Spokane County to build a regional jail.

Watson plans to discuss options Wednesday with newly elected Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich.

“Criminals don’t respect the state line; why should we?” Watson said. “Interstate 90 is a crime corridor.”

Both Spokane and Kootenai counties have overcrowded jails, as do many other counties in the region.

Spokane County leaders are talking about an $80 million jail addition or a new $450 million complex near the Spokane International Airport.

Capt. Jerry Brady, the Spokane County jail commander, said if the preliminary idea gains momentum, the first step is hiring a consultant to figure out how big the regional jail should be – perhaps 4,500 beds – and the best funding method.

It’s possible both Idaho and Washington could pitch in dollars in addition to the federal government, Brady said.

– Erica Curless

Spokane

Dead man identified in murder probe

The man found dead inside his northeast Spokane home Sunday afternoon has been identified as Douglas A. Penfield, Spokane police said.

Police were called to 5923 N. Regal about 2:30 p.m., after a roommate found the 38-year-old man dead inside, said Cpl. Tom Lee, police spokesman.

Police have released no additional information about the death except that it is now being called a murder investigation, Lee said. An autopsy was scheduled for Monday.

In 2001, police asked for the public’s help locating Penfield, who at that time had more than 40 convictions, including assault and possession of a firearm. He was wanted on two warrants of manufacturing drugs, a previous news report shows.

He was later convicted of one count of possessing methamphetamine with intent to deliver, and pleaded guilty to another count of the same charge, newspaper records show.

– Sara Leaming

Troopers arrest 22 in DUI crackdown

State troopers made 22 DUI arrests in and around Spokane last weekend as part of increased efforts to get impaired drivers off the road.

Washington State Patrol spokesman Jeff Sevigney said 180 drunken driving arrests have been made in the greater Spokane area since a campaign targeting intoxicated drivers began Nov. 17.

Sevigney said there were 168 arrests during the same period last year.

Sevigney said troopers are filling extra shifts through Jan. 2 as part of the effort.

– Laura Onstot