Chevron station in Liberty Lake reports 2 thefts in as many days

Liberty Lake Police officers were kept busy with felony arrests and theft investigations the week of Dec. 12 to 19. One local business was a repeat customer, reporting thefts two days in a row.

Police were called to the Chevron station on Liberty Lake Road on Dec. 13 on a report of a vandalized vending machine. Someone cut the lock off the machine and drilled into it to get to the coin box, which was removed, said Police Chief Brian Asmus. The coin box was found near Settler Drive and Liberty Lake Road, and some fingerprints were retrieved, Asmus said. The case is under investigation.

A similar incident was reported in Post Falls around the same time, and video surveillance captured images of what police believe to be the thief’s car.

“We think it’s the same guy,” said Asmus. “He uses an interesting technique.”

Police were called back to the gas station Dec. 14 when the manager reported that an employee was suspected of stealing about $1,300 from the business since October.

“The manager figured it out,” Asmus said. “They reviewed video surveillance and saw him taking money from the till.”

The employee reportedly admitted taking the money. Otis Orchards resident Ricardo N. Robles, 24, was charged with felony second-degree theft and possession of marijuana found in his coat when he was arrested.

• A resident in the 23500 block of Maxwell Court reported a burglary on Dec. 13. Officers could find no signs of forced entry, Asmus said. The homeowner said that several electronic items were missing, including an iPad, iPods, a laptop and a camera.

• An officer was near the Safeway parking lot at 8:40 p.m. on Dec. 15 when he saw a silver Scion accelerating rapidly and sliding sideways, called drifting, said Asmus. The driver did the same maneuver as he pulled out onto Country Vista Drive before the officer pulled him over.

“The driver told officers he was being an idiot and apologized,” Asmus said. The 21-year-old Newport resident was arrested on a charge of reckless driving.

• Officers were called to an assault in progress in the 25000 block of East Hawkstone at 2:15 a.m. on Dec. 17. When police arrived, a woman told officers that her boyfriend had thrown her in the bathtub and tried to strangle her, Asmus said.

The woman had marks on her neck, Asmus said.

Courtney K. Mayher, 41, was arrested on a charge of felony second-degree domestic violence assault.

• Other arrests during the week included two for driving under the influence. Liberty Lake’s commercial vehicle enforcement officer participated in a commercial vehicle emphasis patrol. He conducted 14 inspections and made one arrest for driving with a suspended license during the emphasis.

• Two residents called police around 1:15 a.m. on Dec. 17 to report malicious mischief. The first resident in the 1300 block of North Eagle Road reported that two teens tore down some outdoor Christmas decorations. The second call in the 23000 block of East Riverside reported that two people had torn down a mailbox. Police believe the two incidents are related, Asmus said.

“Both of them came out as an older, loud car,” he said.

• During the week officers gave out three citations for license and plates required, three for failure to show proof of liability insurance and five for speeding. Additional citations were given for failure to use a required ignition interlock device, defective brake light/turn signal and use of a cellphone.