Probes of Taser still attached when man found

Liberty Lake police officers assisted Spokane County sheriff’s deputies by catching a man who was running from deputies trying to serve an arrest warrant in the 18800 block of East Cataldo Avenue. The runner, whom deputies had stunned with a Taser, was spotted at 7:50 p.m. on Nov. 15. Officers located the man near Barker Road and Interstate 90 and turned him over to deputies.

“When our guys found him, the (stun gun) probes were still attached,” said Police Chief Brian Asmus.

A resident called police at 2 a.m. on Nov. 17 to report that someone had hit several trees and then headed west on Mission Avenue. The resident gave a description of the car and a partial license plate, Asmus said. The car was found in a grassy area at Flora Road and Mission Avenue. The driver tried to drive away when he saw the officers but was unable to get any traction, Asmus said.

Officers described the man as being extremely lethargic and smelling of marijuana, Asmus said. The man reportedly admitted smoking marijuana earlier. Officers also reportedly found a smoking device and some synthetic marijuana known as Spice in the man’s car. Robert D. Utecht, 19, of Spokane Valley, was arrested on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance. Asmus said they are also recommending additional charges of driving under the influence (drugs), hit and run, possession of drug paraphernalia and being a minor in possession of alcohol.

Officers also responded to the 9800 block of East Maringo Avenue at 11:35 p.m. on Nov. 17 to assist Spokane Valley deputies on a report of more than a dozen people fighting at a large party. A large number of people ran away when police arrived and the deputies handled the investigation, Asmus said.

Someone reported an injured coyote near Appleway Avenue and Madson Street at 8:40 a.m. on Nov. 12. The animal was just off the road and was probably hit by a car, Asmus said. An officer put down the coyote after determining the extent of its injuries, Asmus said.

Officers responded to the 1800 block of North Meyers Road on Nov. 15 to enforce a court order to remove several squatters and their belongings from the property.

A caller reported seeing a woman who was yelling and screaming while being chased by a man in the 21000 block of East Wellesley Avenue at 10:35 p.m. Sunday. Officers found a man in the area but he denied chasing anyone. Officers could not find the woman, Asmus said.

Officers made one arrest for driving with a suspended license during the week of Nov. 12-19. They also handed out five citations for speeding. Additional citations were given for failure to show proof of liability insurance, following too close and speeding in a school zone.