In brief: Throwing beer at cop brings prison

A 32-year-old Nespelem, Wash., man who threw a case of beer at a tribal police officer, striking him in the groin, was sentenced this week to about four years in prison.

James Edward Kensler was given 50 months in federal prison for assaulting a federal officer. He’ll serve the term concurrently with a 50-month sentence for assaulting his former girlfriend.

According to the U.S. attorney’s office, Colville Tribal Police received a report Nov. 16 that Kensler had choked his girlfriend unconscious.

Then on Feb. 11, tribal Officer W.E. Evans was driving south on state Route 155 when Kensler, carrying a case of beer, flagged him down and asked for a ride.

Evans told him he would have to “relinquish” the beer, but Kensler declined, according to a news release. He gave a false name, which dispatchers advised had an active warrant. Evans went to arrest Kensler and was assaulted with the case of beer, authorities say.

Kensler fled but was later apprehended by tribal police and officers from the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office. He pleaded guilty to the assaults in July and was sentenced Monday.

Prisoner ruled fit for execution

SALEM – A judge in Marion County on Friday found a death-row inmate competent to waive his appeals and be executed, and indicated he’ll likely sign an order for Oregon’s first execution in 14 years.

Prosecutors said they tentatively plan to ask that Gary Haugen die by lethal injection on Dec. 6.

Marion County Circuit Court Judge Joseph Guimond said he had seen “absolutely no evidence” that would make him refuse to sign the death warrant when prosecutors make their request.

Marathon, protest will share space

PORTLAND – It looks like the Portland Marathon will be sharing space with demonstrators who have camped out in downtown Portland in support of the Occupy Wall Street movement.

Portland Marathon course director Chris Hardman said protesters can stay if they don’t come and go while the race is under way Sunday.

Demonstrators earlier said they’re determined to stay despite requests to make way for an estimated 10,000 runners.