In brief: Young drivers accused of road recklessness

A juvenile charged with reckless driving near East Valley High School tried to discredit a 48-year-old witness by calling him old, police said.

A Spokane County sheriff’s deputy arrested the driver and another boy Tuesday afternoon after reports they were racing and almost caused an accident, according to a news release from the Sheriff’s Office.

A witness told the deputy said he was northbound on Sullivan Road at about 12:40 p.m. and saw two vehicles approaching him from behind at a high rate of speed. Both vehicles passed him, and one vehicle almost ran him into the overpass at the westbound Trent Road off-ramp, he said.

“One of the juvenile males admitted that they were racing and the other said the 48-year-old witness was ‘too old’ and (the deputy) should not believe him,” the release said.

One of the boys was charged with reckless driving and issued a citation for driving without a license. The other was charged with racing and violating the restrictions of his license. They were both released back to the high school.

Jennifer Pignolet

Interstate 90 traffic slows after crash near exit

A collision near the Division Street exit on eastbound I-90 on Thursday backed up traffic for more than an hour during the afternoon commute.

The multivehicle collision happened at 4:39 p.m. and the two blocked eastbound lanes were clear by 6 p.m., the Washington State Patrol said.

Though several vehicles were involved, there were only minor injuries, KHQ reported.

Staff reports

Empty home for sale target of vandalism

A home in Spokane Valley that has been up for sale was vandalized sometime between Feb. 1 and Feb. 8.

Spokane Valley police responded to a vacant residence Wednesday in the 1300 block of North Ella Road. The homeowner said the house was last shown on Feb. 1. On Feb. 8, the homeowner returned when animal control officers told him a cat had been locked inside. The homeowner found the back door had been kicked in and water left on in the bathtub. The faucet in the kitchen sink had been broken off.

The homeowner estimates damage around $6,500, and authorities have no suspects.

Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward to anyone who has information about this crime. Call (800) 222-TIPS or visit www.crimestoppersinland northwest.org.

Lisa Leinberger