More callers report suspicious people or vehicles in Liberty Lake
Liberty Lake police officers have been responding to more calls reporting suspicious people or vehicles lately, including several more during the week of April 16-23.
Most of the time nothing is found or the person has a legitimate reason to be there, but that doesn’t bother Police Chief Brian Asmus. He’s happy that residents are paying more attention to what is going on in their neighborhoods.
He is hopeful that as word spreads about a recent spate of vehicle prowls and garage burglaries, people will be vigilant. “We encourage that. It could be nothing, but maybe it is (something),” he said.
There were a number of arrests for driving with a suspended license for the second week in a row. Eight drivers were arrested for the offense, and another two were arrested for driving under the influence. One of the drivers arrested for driving with a suspended license was also wanted on three warrants for the same offense.
A theft was reported in the 23000 block of East Settler Drive on April 19. Several items were reportedly taken from an unlocked shed in the backyard. A vehicle prowl in the 22800 block of Country Vista Drive was reported at 3:30 a.m. on April 22. A woman told police she saw someone in her car who ran off when she yelled. An iPod Touch and a purse were reported missing. The purse was found nearby later that day, Asmus said.
A resident called police on April 18 to report ordering items through Craigslist that never arrived. The seller, located in Missouri, stopped returning phone calls after receiving the man’s money, Asmus said. The case is being investigated in Missouri after several similar incidents involving the same person were reported across the county, Asmus said.
People should always use caution when using Craigslist, Asmus said. “We’ve had a couple this week,” he said. “They’re difficult to investigate because they’re usually out of the state or country. It’s buyer beware. The suspect in this claimed to be a sheriff’s deputy.”
During the week officers handed out nine citations for failure to show proof of liability insurance, three for defective muffler, two for illegal use of studded tires and nine for speeding. Additional citations were given for license and plates required, parking in a handicap zone, driving without a license without ID, failure to use required ignition interlock device, no stop lights or turn signal, failure to dim headlights, prohibited turn, failure to signal, open alcohol container and fourth-degree assault.