Man arrested in kidnapping

Police arrested a 37-year-old man on four counts of kidnapping after he reportedly forced a woman, her fiance and two children to lead him to a location where he could get some money.

Ernest R. Smith, of Spokane, let the four go without harm, police said. He was later found in a camper at 3017 N. Stone, said Spokane police Officer William Hager.

Smith was booked into Spokane County Jail late Monday on suspicion of kidnapping, two counts of felony harassment and one count of burglary.

The woman, who called police about 9:30 p.m. Monday, said her ex-roommate arrived at her home in northwest Spokane and forced his way in, Hager said.

“The suspect demanded money and threatened to kill them if they did not comply,” Hager said. “The suspect knew where they could get some money.”

Being in fear for her life and her family’s, the woman put her children, ages 3 and 5, in her car along with her fiance, Hager said.

“She drove to the agreed location as the suspect followed in his own car,” Hager said. “She got the money the suspect wanted.”

Superintendent to host chat

Spokane Public Schools Superintendent Brian Benzel will host an online chat with the public from noon to 1 p.m. today.

The community is invited to submit questions for the superintendent by going to the district’s Web site at www.spokaneschools.org and clicking on “Chat with the Superintendent.”

The chats are held the first Wednesday of each month. Transcripts from previous chats are also available on the Web site.

Compiled from staff reports