Body found near Upriver Dam

The body of a white man of unknown age was found in the Spokane River near Upriver Dam on Saturday, according to the Spokane Police Department.

A man walking on the north side of the river at Frederick and Upriver Drive saw the body about 3 p.m. and called 911.

Investigators said they would review missing persons reports in an effort to identify the man.

Although sheriff’s deputies initially responded, the man’s body was discovered to be within the city limits, and jurisdiction was transferred to the Spokane Police Department, said sheriff’s spokesman Dave Reagan.

As of 6 p.m. Saturday, the area where the man’s body was found was blocked off for further investigation.

Police urge anyone with information on a man missing within the last two weeks to call 532-9266.

Karen Dorn Steele

Man rescued from house fire

Investigators are searching for the cause of a fire that extensively damaged a house at 2617 W. Fairview Ave., early Saturday.

The Spokane Fire Department responded at 4:32 a.m. to the fire, searching for victims and venting heat and smoke out of the building.

An adult male still in the house was rescued with minor injuries, the department said.

The first crew inside had to force open the door and said they did not hear any activated smoke detectors, according to a bulletin on the department’s Web site.

Three engines, one ladder truck, a pumper ladder, a rescue unit, two battalion chiefs and a fire investigator responded.

Damage was extensive to the living room, exterior and roofline on one side.

There also was heavy smoke damage throughout the house, the department said.

Karen Dorn Steele

Police probe motel shooting

Police are investigating a shooting at a Spokane motel shortly before midnight on Friday.

Spokane police and Spokane County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a shooting at the West Wynn Motel, W. 2701 Sunset Blvd.

The victim, who was hospitalized, is expected to recover and a suspect has been arrested, the Police Department said in a news release early Saturday.

By Saturday night, the names of the suspect and the victim had not been released.

Karen Dorn Steele