In brief: Army prepares to prosecute soldier

TACOMA – The Army is preparing to prosecute a soldier for the death of Pfc. Neil Turner, of Tacoma, in Afghanistan earlier this year.

The News Tribune reports Army officials initially called Turner’s death a “training accident.” But now they are bringing charges of manslaughter against Spc. Francisco Perez, who’s accused of firing a rocket at Turner inside their base in Logar province.

Perez allegedly killed 21-year-old Turner on Jan. 11 with a light anti-tank weapon, a shoulder-fired rocket launcher designed for use against armored vehicles and other hardened targets. The weapon did not detonate, but was fired at …

TACOMA – The Army is preparing to prosecute a soldier for the death of Pfc. Neil Turner, of Tacoma, in Afghanistan earlier this year.

The News Tribune reports Army officials initially called Turner’s death a “training accident.” But now they are bringing charges of manslaughter against Spc. Francisco Perez, who’s accused of firing a rocket at Turner inside their base in Logar province.

Perez allegedly killed 21-year-old Turner on Jan. 11 with a light anti-tank weapon, a shoulder-fired rocket launcher designed for use against armored vehicles and other hardened targets. The weapon did not detonate, but was fired at close range and pierced Turner’s upper chest, according to Turner’s family and Army charging documents.

Police handcuff biting, hitting child

TWIN FALLS, Idaho – Police here say an officer put a 10-year-old boy in handcuffs because the child posed a threat to himself and his parents.

Staff Sgt. Terry Thueson said police were called Friday after the child repeatedly hit and bit his parents and grandfather.

Thueson said the officer believed handcuffing the child was the least invasive manner of controlling him without causing injury or more harm to anyone else.

Motorcyclist dies after striking deer

FIRTH, Idaho – The Idaho State Police said a 42-year-old eastern Idaho man has died after colliding with a deer while riding his motorcycle.

Police said Arnold Gene Taylor, of Firth, died at the scene Friday night on U.S. Highway 91. He was not wearing a helmet, police said.