Driver of stolen SUV faces multiple charges
A transient in a stolen SUV raced away from Spokane Valley police Friday morning, reaching speeds of 100 mph and driving into oncoming traffic, police reported.
The driver sped off after a Spokane County sheriff’s deputy tried to pull the vehicle over, according to a Spokane Valley police news release. Officers pursued it for seven minutes until the driver started running red lights and driving on the wrong side of the road.
Shortly thereafter, authorities found the Blazer abandoned in the 11800 block of East Grace Avenue. A Spokane Police K-9 tracked the suspect and found him at the intersection of Wilbur Road and Marietta Avenue, the release states.
Authorities found psychedelic mushrooms, meth and marijuana in Kristopher Lee Lacher’s clothes, according to the release. The 25-year-old was booked into jail on an outstanding Department of Corrections warrant, possession of marijuana, possession of methamphetamine, possession of mushrooms, attempting to elude and second-degree possession of stolen property.
– Nick Eaton
Omak, Wash.
Fast-moving wildfire threatens 20 homes
A wildfire near Omak that grew to 6,000 acres Thursday is 20 percent contained, but it’s still threatening 20 homes, a fire official said.
The South Omak Lake fire, located at the southern tip of the lake about 13 miles southeast of Omak, has drawn 175 firefighters and support personnel, said Roland Emetaz, fire information officer for Washington Incident Management Team 5. Fueled by steady winds, the blaze raged Thursday but calmed down Friday.
“Things are pretty quiet,” Emetaz said Friday evening. “We had a pretty good day – little movement of the fire.”
Officials believe the wildfire, which is mainly burning on the Colville Indian Reservation, is human-caused. An investigation is under way, Emetaz said.
Firefighters expect forecast thunderstorms to miss the fire but planned to be on the lookout Friday night and this morning for rogue storm cells, Emetaz said.
– Nick Eaton
Spokane
Pig Out continues through Labor Day
Pig Out in the Park, which began Wednesday, will continue through Labor Day in Riverfront Park. Hours are 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily.
The annual event includes 50 food booths and 75 free concerts on three stages, as well as three adult beverage gardens.
Labor Day will be the last day of operation for the pavilion rides in the park, but the IMAX Theatre, Spokane Falls Skyride, Looff Carrousel and mini-golf attractions will remain open. The Riverfront Park Train Tour will run on weekends until mid-October.
The Ice Palace is slated to open for skaters on Oct. 17.
For more information on events and activities at Riverfront Park visit www.spokaneriverfrontpark.com.
– Maggie Capwell