Liberty Lake police blotter: Warrant scam snares woman
A Liberty Lake woman was caught up in a popular scam and told police that she wired nearly $1,000 to someone who said the money would cancel a warrant for the woman’s arrest.
The woman, who lives in the 20000 block of East Baldwin, called police on Sept. 22 to report receiving a phone call that appeared to be from the Liberty Lake Police Department. The caller said the money was needed to cancel a warrant in California.
The woman called police after receiving a second call asking for more money.
Police Chief Brian Asmus said it appears someone was able to “ghost” the department’s phone number to make it look like someone from the police department was calling.
Other calls from Sept. 21-28:
Sept. 21: A woman in the 1600 block of North Cirque Lane called police to report that her new neighbor had backed a U-haul truck into her garage, damaging the siding.
Sept. 22: Two teenage boys brought a bike to the police station that they found in the Rocky Hill Park area.
Sept. 24: Someone left a truck with its doors open and the keys in the ignition in the 2300 block of North Madsen Road. The truck was blocking several parking spaces. The business owner was advised to have the truck towed.
Sept. 25: Two homeowners reported having their front doors kicked in during a burglary. It appeared that nothing was stolen from a home in the 22000 block of East Settler Drive but a homeowner in the 24000 block of East Desmet Road estimated that more than $2,200 worth of items had been taken. The incidents are under investigation.
Sept. 28: An RV was found with its door open and the lights on at a dealership at Knox Avenue and Madsen Road. The RV was locked up by an officer. The metal gate of a business in the 19000 block of East Cataldo was found open and a forklift was in the middle of the lot. The gates were locked by officers.
Arrests: Police made one arrest for driving with a suspended license, one for domestic violence assault and one on a warrant for driving with a suspended license.
Citations: Officers handed out four citations for failure to provide proof of liability insurance and two for expired vehicle registration. Additional citations were given for no stop lights or turn signal, following too close, failure to yield on a left turn and speeding.