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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Baker’s lead widens to 3,000 votes

The Spokesman-Review

Spokane County Assessor Ralph Baker’s narrow lead over Democratic challenger Judy Personett widened to more than 3,000 votes this weekend.

Elections manager Paul Brandt said ballots counted Saturday were from all precincts but were “heavy on the 6th and 4th legislative districts.” The two districts typically favor Republican candidates.

Personett declared victory in the race last week after initial results showed her with a narrow lead. On Saturday, Baker led with 59,476 votes to Personett’s 56,336 votes.

With more than 30,000 ballots remaining, Brandt said counting will continue this week. Election results must be certified by Nov. 28.

Spokane valley

Police say caller wanted to fight

An apparently intoxicated man armed with a knife was arrested Saturday morning after calling 911 to challenge Spokane Valley police officers to a fight.

Police responded to the 7:50 a.m. call to find David D. Woods, 42, in the yard of his home at 4706 E. 11th Ave. Officers said Woods still wanted to fight.

Instead, an officer fired beanbag rounds from a shotgun at Woods’ legs and buttocks. When the rounds failed to knock Woods off his feet, police said, they shocked him with a Taser, subduing him.

The suspect, who police said was uninjured in the confrontation, was booked into Spokane County Jail on charges of felony assault on the officers.

Man arrested after fight with deputy

A deputy responding to a report of a suspicious character at a Spokane Valley Starbucks arrested an armed man Friday after “a knock-down, drag-out fight,” police said.

Employees of the Starbucks at 6630 E. Sprague Ave., on alert because of an armed robbery at the coffee shop several weeks ago, called 911 about 7 p.m. to report a suspicious man who entered, left and re-entered the store without ordering anything.

Responding to the call, Deputy Mark Brownell noticed that the man had a cocked pistol in the pocket of his hooded sweatshirt. When the man reached for the gun, police said, Brownell struck him and disarmed him. A fight ensued.

The employees called 911 again to report that an “officer was down,” but by the time supporting officers arrived, Brownell had the man under control.

Arrested and booked into the Spokane County Jail was Matthew S. Pennucci, 27, of 14118 E. Longfellow, a felon prohibited from having firearms. Police said Pennucci also was in possession of methamphetamine.

Compiled from staff reports