Cops start ‘05 with 500 calls

Spokane Police had more than 500 calls for service in the 30 hours between early New Year’s Eve through early Sunday, police spokesman Dick Cottam said in a news release Sunday.

Officers responded to the year’s first homicide, as well as traffic violations, domestic violence, robberies, burglaries, thefts and forgeries. Except for the shooting death at 2 a.m. Saturday, it was a busy but not unusual weekend for police, Cottam said.

The shooting victim’s name will be released after an autopsy today, Cottam said. Detectives want to interview Deric D. Burton, 17, about the incident outside Crazy 8’s, 21 E. Lincoln Road. Anyone with information on Burton can be eligible for a cash reward by calling Secret Witness at 327-5111 and using a code name or number.

Along with the homicide, police handled about 30 vehicle prowling reports, 16 vehicle thefts and a half dozen recovered vehicles during the weekend. There were three rapes reported, and 35 domestic violence calls asking for officers.

Four fights resulted in requests for officers, there were nine juvenile runaway reports, about 50 theft reports, several shoplifting incidents, and one call about fireworks, Cottam said.

Police also responded to 18 vehicle collisions, five resulting in injuries. Most of the others were hit-and-run cases. There were 17 burglary reports, most involving garages, and 18 reports of assaults.

Extra officers were on duty for downtown’s First Night celebration, where all was peaceful, Cottam said.