In brief: Storage company fined for 2007 ammonia leak

Empire Cold Storage will pay a $67,142 fine for failing to report the release of an estimated 400 pounds of anhydrous ammonia in 2007 from its Spokane warehouse.

No injuries were reported from the leak on July 14, 2007, which occurred over about three hours at 1327 N. Oak St. Company officials failed to immediately report the leak to local and state authorities, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which reached a settlement with the company.

Empire Cold Storage uses large amounts of anhydrous ammonia as a refrigerant. The toxic gas attacks the skin, eyes, throat and lungs. It can cause serious injury or death.

Armed man robs Valley mini mart

A clerk at a convenience store in Spokane Valley was robbed Sunday by a man who showed the butt of a pistol hidden under a coat.

The worker handed the robber a small amount of cash from the till at the Broadway Mini Market, 10304 E. Broadway Ave., about 8 p.m., according to Spokane Valley police. The robber then ran west on Broadway.

The robber was described as white, 5-foot-6 with a slight build, black hair and sunken eyes. He was wearing blue jeans, a green zippered jacket and red bandanna. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Check at (509) 456-2233.

Sisters suspected of check forgery

Two sisters were arrested over the weekend after attempting to pass fraudulent payroll checks at a Walmart in Airway Heights.

Shakyla Fay Delcambre, 18, and Rayna R. Delcambre, 27, were arrested for forgery. In addition, Rayna Delcambre was booked on a charge of possession of cocaine.

Walmart employees were on alert after two women cashed fraudulent checks from Food Services Inc. at the Shadle Park Walmart on Friday, said Sgt. Dave Reagan.

On Sunday evening, two women presented two fraudulent checks at the Airway Heights store, but employees called the sheriff’s department.