In brief: Spokane County deputy prosecutor under scrutiny resigns

The Spokane County deputy prosecutor linked to a convicted felon by thousands of text messages and a bikini photo resigned on Wednesday.

Marriya Wright has been on leave since April 21, after investigators searched a jail cell belonging to Matthew Baumrucker and uncovered evidence the two were meeting frequently at the Spokane County Jail. Witnesses also said Wright drove Baumrucker in her car after a warrant was issued for his arrest and she did not inform police.

Spokane County spokeswoman Martha Lou Wheatley-Billeter said Wright’s attorney dropped off a letter of resignation at the prosecutor’s office on Wednesday. Prosecutor Steve Tucker accepted the resignation.

No criminal charges have been filed against Wright. She made about $83,000 last year. Baumrucker is in the Spokane County Jail on federal charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Kip Hill

Dozens of bikes stolen in Coeur d’Alene

Coeur d’Alene police are seeing a rash of bicycle thefts, mostly downtown and in the city’s northwest neighborhoods.

Police have taken 24 stolen bike reports since Aug. 1. The value of the stolen bicycles is more than $23,000.

The thefts are occurring from bike racks, residential garages left open, the back of vehicles and recreation areas.

Detectives believe some suspects are responsible for multiple thefts.

“Please practice theft prevention tips and call the police department to report any suspicious activity,” police Chief Lee White said in a news release Wednesday.

Staff reports

Triple Play expansions include laser tag arena

Triple Play Family Fun Park in Hayden will expand for a third time, with a new laser tag arena and indoor ropes course expected to open in January.

Work will begin Monday on the 8,750-square-foot expansion, which will cost more than $1 million, the company said Wednesday.

The LED-illuminated laser tag arena will span 3,600 square feet. It will replace a smaller laser tag space.

The 32-foot-tall ropes course will have challenges for all ages.

Triple Play opened on U.S. Highway 95 in 2000 with a bowling alley, arcade, climbing wall and miniature golf course. Two years later it added bumper boats, go-karts and an 18-hole miniature golf course. Raptor Reef, a 25,000-square-foot indoor water park, was added in 2005.

Staff reports