In brief: Chief search likely to begin in spring

The city of Spokane expects to begin a regional or national search for a new police chief by next spring, officials said Monday.

Spokane Police Department employees are interested in the position, but “we also have a desire to look outside the department,” City Administrator Ted Danek told the Public Safety Committee at its monthly meeting. 

Assistant Police Chief Jim Nicks recently announced plans to retire when Chief Anne Kirkpatrick leaves early next year.

Kirkpatrick has said she’ll stay until a new chief is appointed, which officials say won’t happen until after the mayoral election.

“People are not going to apply until they know who the boss is,” Kirkpatrick said.

Danek said the search, which could take three to six months, could begin in March or April.

Kirkpatrick has always said she planned to stay in Spokane about five years.

“It’s not a retirement, I’m just moving to a different stage in my life,” Kirkpatrick said.

Meghann M. Cuniff

Body pulled from river identified

A body found in the Spokane River on Sunday has been identified as Christopher Don Rogers, 31, police said Monday.

Rogers’ cause and manner of death have not yet been determined, according to the Spokane County medical examiner’s office.

Spokane police spokeswoman Jennifer DeRuwe said major crimes detectives are investigating. She said Rogers has not been reported missing.

Rogers’ body was spotted shortly before 8 a.m. in the river by an employee at Red Lion Hotel at the Park, 303 W. North River Drive, according to the Spokane Police Department.

Rogers was in prison from 2003 to 2007 for a drug conviction and firearm enhancement in Asotin County, according to the Washington Department of Corrections. It’s unclear when he came to Spokane.

Meghann M. Cuniff

Motocross racer died of blunt force trauma

A 17-year-old boy killed in a motocross racing crash in Airway Heights on Saturday died of blunt force trauma to his chest, according to the Spokane County medical examiner’s office.

Austin Krum was part of a Hooters Supercross Night Series event that was held at the Airway Heights Motocross Park. He died at the scene.

His death was ruled accidental, the medical examiner’s office said Monday.

Staff report