In brief: Woman flees assailant; police seek witnesses
A Spokane woman was assaulted Wednesday evening as she walked across the Sunset Highway Bridge over Latah Creek.
Police are looking for the suspect, and they want help from any potential witnesses. The victim saw people driving by as the assault happened.
The attempted rape happened about 6 p.m. when a man pushed the woman onto the ground and tried to take off her clothes.
She managed to get away but was taken to a hospital to be treated for injuries. She has since been released.
The suspect is described as white, in his 40s, 5 foot 9 inches and 170 pounds. He is sunburned and has a moustache and brown hair. He was wearing a dark-colored baseball cap, khaki shorts and no shirt, although he was carrying a T-shirt.
Any witnesses are asked to call (509) 242-TIPS.
– Staff reports
Free concert for kids moved to escape heat
Because of anticipated high temperatures, the KPBX Kids’ Concert set for noon to 1 p.m. today has been moved from Riverfront Park to Auntie’s Bookstore in the Liberty Building at 402 W. Main Ave.
The group Dead Man’s Pants will play songs from the summer of 1967, using a mix of instruments including the mandolin, banjo, harmonica and kazoo. The free concert is open to the public.
The location change was announced Thursday, too late to correct the listing in today’s 7, which is preprinted.
– Staff reports
North Idaho
Campers warned to extinguish fires
A spate of smoldering campfires has been reported in recent days along the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River, according to a statement issued by the U.S. Forest Service.
Officials found eight abandoned fires throughout the first five miles of a patrol Tuesday, said Sandra Groth, a fire prevention specialist with the Coeur d’Alene Interagency Dispatch Center.
“This is a very serious situation, especially as temperatures soar and the potential for wildfires increases,” she said.
The fire season has arrived about a month earlier than normal this year thanks to the early melting of snowpack and a long run of hot, dry days, said Craig Glazier, assistant fire management officer for the Idaho Panhandle National Forests.
By law, fires must be completely extinguished before campers leave a site. Those found in violation are subject to fines and might also be required to pay the full costs of suppressing a wildfire, Groth said.
Campfires have already been banned in portions of Eastern Washington. For local restrictions, contact the nearest Forest Service ranger office or state office of public lands.
– James Hagengruber