Scooter stolen from amputee

A one-legged man had his three-wheel scooter stolen Sunday.

Tom Breen of Spokane told police that when he left McDonald’s at Indiana Avenue and Monroe Street between 1 and 2 p.m. Sunday, his mobility scooter was missing.

Breen, 64, was born with a clubfoot and had his left leg removed more than 40 years ago. The scooter, which Breen estimated is worth $250, is the North Side resident’s primary transportation. Without it, he said, he’ll have to get around with a cane.

“I feel terrible,” Breen said Monday afternoon. “Why anyone would want to steal it is beyond me.” Breen told police he had the key to the scooter when it was taken.

Breen volunteers at the West Central Community Center and at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Indiana Avenue. Spokane Police spokesman Cpl. Tom Lee said the department has no leads. Anyone with information should call 242-TIPS.

– Hilary Kraus

Inland Northwest

Fireworks displays to light up night sky

When the sun sets tonight, the sky will light up with Fourth of July fireworks.

One of the largest displays will be at Neighbor Day in Riverfront Park. Live music starts at noon with fireworks at 10 p.m.

In Liberty Lake, a parade starts at noon, and fireworks at dusk.

In Coeur d’Alene, a parade is at 11 a.m. and fireworks at dusk.

For a list of other events, log on to www.spokane7.com/events/.

– Staff reports

Log slips from loader, killing Rathdrum man

A 36-year-old Rathdrum man was killed Monday after being struck in the head by a log on a job site, according to Kootenai County Sheriff’s officials.

Gregory T. Stensland was working on a logging operation above Bull Run, about eight miles from the Coeur d’Alene River in eastern Kootenai County, when a 60-foot log slipped from the grip of the loader and struck him in the head, said Sheriff’s Capt. Ben Wolfinger in a press release.

Initial investigation indicates that Stensland, who apparently had his back to the loader, was wearing a hard hat, which was knocked off when the log slipped and fell.

Workers at the site attempted CPR and transported him down the mountain, but he was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel who met them there, Wolfinger said.

– Sam Taylor

Two injured in accident on Blue Lake

Boaters should remain cautious during this holiday week after a driver ramped up and over another boat on Blue Lake, northwest of Harrison on the Coeur d’Alene River, Kootenai County Sheriff’s officials said.

Harrison resident Derek Connors, 28,was apparently turning a 17-foot boat to pick up a person who had fallen off a tube when he collided with another watercraft, according to Sheriff’s Sgt. Matt Street.

The operator of the other boat, Kyle Ham, 23, suffered lacerations to his scalp and a passenger on Connors’ boat suffered a cut to his forearm, the report states.

Connors registered a blood alcohol level of .02, which is under the legal limit of .08 to operate a vehicle, Street stated in a press release.

“This type of vessel collision typically results in severe injuries … or fatalities,” Street stated.

– Sam Taylor