Detectives probe spate of shootings

Detectives from the sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit are investigating four drive-by shootings Sunday and Monday nights in the northeast portion of Spokane Valley.

Although the homes were occupied, no one was injured.

The proximity of the shootings made it appear the incidents are connected, said Sgt. Dave Reagan, the sheriff’s spokesman.

“Drive-by shootings are certainly a part of the gang culture, but detectives have no evidence to confirm these shootings are gang-related,” he said.

The first shooting occurred about 8:30 p.m. Sunday at a mobile home in the 5800 block of North Idaho Road. Two bullets, possibly 9 mm or .380-caliber, lodged high in a bedroom wall.

Deputies were still investigating that incident when a woman in the 5500 block of North Haye Road reported about 9:30 p.m. that someone apparently fired a shot at her home. She said she heard what sounded like a small car speeding away. Later, she found broken sheetrock on a hallway floor and stepped on a bullet, Reagan said.

Deputy Beau Vucinich said that bullet was similar to the ones Deputy Mike Wall found at the Idaho Road home.

Vucinich was called to a home in the 5200 block of North Kenney Road on Monday afternoon when a man discovered bullet holes in his home. The shots are believed to have been fired Sunday night when the family was out to dinner, about the same time as the other shootings that night.

Three bullet holes were found in a window and exterior wall near the front door. Four other bullets appeared to have hit the home, including one that passed through a boy’s bedroom, Reagan said.

Bullet fragments also were found in a children’s playroom.

A neighbor heard the shots and saw a small, white two-door car drive away with its lights off.

Shortly after 11 p.m. Monday, another shooting was reported in the 4100 block of North McDonald Road. Residents and neighbors heard at least two shots. Some neighbors told Spokane Valley police they heard a shotgun blast accompanied by pistol shots.

One neighbor told officers he saw a white Chevrolet pickup speed away on Trent Avenue. The man guessed the truck was a late 1990s model and said it may have had a crew cab and red lettering on the bed, above the rear wheels, Reagan said.

Officer Scott Kenoyer found shotgun pellet damage to the mobile home as well as four bullet holes in porch windows. Some bullets entered the living room and kitchen.

Anyone with information about the shootings is asked to call (509) 242-TIPS.