In brief: Reward offered in robbery
Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information that leads to the resolution of Monday’s robbery at Go Wireless in Spokane Valley.
Two men entered the store at 13908 E. Sprague Ave. about 7:55 p.m. and gestured as if they had guns, said Sgt. Dave Reagan, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office spokesman.
“They demanded cash from the employee, and placed it in a tan bag they brought with them. One stopped to pick up some money that fell to the floor,” Reagan said. They left the store on foot.
No weapon was displayed and no one was injured in the heist. Both men wore sunglasses and bandanas that hid most of their faces, Reagan said.
Anyone with inform- ation about the crime can call (509) 327-5111 or forward information through www.crime stoppersinlandnorthwest. org.
Man sought on theft charge
Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of Joseph M. Rijon, 44, who is suspected of first- degree theft.
Rijon has a 25-year criminal history with convictions including malicious mischief, theft, burglary and vehicle theft, said Sgt. Dave Reagan, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office spokesman.
Anyone with information regarding Rijon’s whereabouts can call (800) 222-TIPS or forward the tip to www.crimestoppers inlandnorthwest.org.
Cruelty suspect pleads not guilty
KENNEWICK – A woman who bred fluffy white American Eskimo dogs that authorities say were confined in filthy conditions has pleaded not guilty to animal cruelty charges.
The 66-year-old Kennewick woman, Ella Louise Stewart, entered her pleas Thursday in Benton County Superior Court to one felony count of first-degree animal cruelty and nine gross misdemeanor counts of second-degree animal cruelty. Trial is set for Sept. 14.
She was arrested May 12 after a Benton County sheriffs deputy found the dogs living in filthy cages, shopping carts, wooden boxes and other makeshift kennels.
Sheriffs officials and animal rescue volunteers later seized 371 dogs.
The dogs have been take to animal shelters across the Northwest.
Dry summer likely on West Side
SEATTLE – University of Washington scientists say Western Washington appears poised for an extremely dry summer.
A research scientist with the university’s Climate Impacts Group, Phil Mote, says the last significant rain was May 19.
The 46-day period from then to the Fourth of July was the driest on record at four Western Washington weather stations.
Only .18 inch of rain was reported in the period at Sea-Tac Airport.