Motorist Displays Gun During Traffic Stop

Spokane police stopped a man at Second and Crestline Saturday about 1:30 p.m. after the vehicle he was driving rolled past a stop sign. Unknown to police at the time, the man was carrying a loaded gun illegally.

While talking with an officer, the suspect became belligerent, reached into his pocket and pulled the loaded .38 handgun from his clothing. The officer spotted the gun and grabbed the suspect before anything else happened.

Police arrested 36-year-old William Shoffner, 11920 E. Sprague, for alleged unlawful possession of a firearm and a revoked pistol permit.

Shoffner claimed he worked for the FBI and insisted he was being programmed by computer chips implanted in his head, police said.

Police also found an open bottle of whiskey in Shoffner’s car.

Shoffner was arrested but not jailed, said police spokesman Dick Cottom.

Man beaten after robbery

A 67-year-old man acting as a good Samaritan, was found beaten and bleeding Saturday night on the corner of Bernard and Sprague.

About 7 p.m., police responded to a call involving a man lying on the ground.

Two witnesses, both Mars Hotel security guards, told police that two panhandlers approached the victim and asked him for money.

Witnesses said when the victim drew out his wallet to give the two men a donation, one suspect grabbed the wallet and said, “I’ll take all of that.”

The two suspects then hit and kicked the victim, beating him badly, witnesses said.

Police arrested 46-year-old Robert L. Running Rabbit, no address given, and Ricky Lane Cagle, 1020 W. Chelan.

Both suspects were booked into jail on charges of first-degree robbery, which involves assault.

The victim, who was taken to an area hospital, suffered internal injuries.

, DataTimes