Suspect still ‘critical’ after fight with police
The suspect in a Saturday night fight with police officers at a Division Street convenience store remained in critical condition at a local hospital on Sunday, Spokane Police said.
Police spokesman Cpl. Tom Lee said it still is unknown why the man, whose identity has not been released, quit breathing after fighting with several officers at the Zip-Trip at Division Street and Augusta Avenue. “Tasers were deployed,” Lee said, but it is uncertain whether the electronic probes made contact with the suspect, and there were no obvious signs of injury.
The fighting began when the suspect attacked a single police officer responding to reports of suspicious behavior at about 6:15 p.m., police said. The man began having trouble breathing after he was subdued by five or six officers, and paramedics were called to the scene, police said.
The incident is under investigation.
– Kevin Graman
Sex offender bills to be discussed
Employees at facilities where children gather could get new tools for banning sex offenders if Washington’s governor signs a package of proposed legislation.
State Attorney General Rob McKenna and Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney Steve Tucker will hold a community briefing at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday to discuss the child-protection package. The session will be at CenterPlace at Mirabeau Point Park, 2426 N. Discovery Place.
The legislative package was prompted by a parks director who was concerned that his employees couldn’t ask known sex offenders not to loiter around children in the shower room at a pool, said Janelle Guthrie, a spokeswoman for the attorney general’s office.
McKenna also will discuss other sex offender legislation awaiting Gov. Chris Gregoire’s signature.
– Jody Lawrence-Turner
‘Huckleberries’ moves to Saturdays
No, we didn’t fire him. He wasn’t abducted by aliens – not recently, anyway – and he hasn’t gone to work as a speechwriter for President Bush. (Not a bad idea, though.)
D.F. Oliveria still is musing on the people, culture and politics of the Inland Northwest in his weekly column, “Huckleberries.” But we have moved it to Saturdays. So, if you’re looking for Dave, either back up two spaces or find him online at www.spokesmanreview.com.
– Scott Maben
Twin Falls, Idaho
Watering of lawns to be restricted
Beginning April 1, Twin Falls residents will have to be a little more careful if they want to keep their lawns green and avoid a ticket.
Those with even-numbered addresses can water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, while those with odd-numbered addresses can water on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. All watering must be done before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m.
A water conservation officer will keep watch for offenders. The first violation will bring a warning, but the second will come with a $40 fine on the offender’s water bill.
– Associated Press