Car prowl suspects nabbed in Liberty Lake

Two 15-year-old boys were arrested on charges of vehicle prowling, theft and possession of stolen property in Liberty Lake after a man reportedly caught them in the act, got his gun and chased them down the street.

A resident in the area of Homestead Drive and Knudson Street called police about 11:40 p.m. on Saturday and reported seeing a person dressed in black trying to steal a golf cart and taking items from cars. He also reported seeing a second person driving a small black car, said Police Chief Brian Asmus.

Officers located the car and found one of the teens lying in the back seat in a fetal position. He reportedly admitted to participating in several vehicle prowls before he and his friend were interrupted, Asmus said.

The officers went to the home of the second teen, who reportedly admitted stealing items from cars, Asmus said. He told officers where he had hidden the items, including jewelry and GPS units, Asmus said. The stolen property was recovered.

An officer may have averted some thefts when he spotted a dark blue Chevrolet Blazer at Country Vista Drive and Eagle Bend Lane at 1:15 a.m. on Feb. 28. The vehicle suddenly pulled over and two men got out and walked away after the driver spotted the officer, Asmus said. The two were identified and both had extensive criminal histories that included burglary and theft.

There were several open garages in the area where the two were seen, but homeowners said nothing had been taken, Asmus said. Because no crime had been committed the two were released.

Employees at a car dealership in the 21500 block of George Gee Avenue called police on Feb. 28 to report three cases of fraud and vehicle theft. The business had sold three cars online through auto auction companies that were then shipped to Jacksonville, Fla. But the name used for the transactions belonged to a man who called the dealership and said he had no knowledge of the purchases, Asmus said. He reportedly found out about the transactions when he was contacted by the bank handling the financing.

A caller reported seeing three teenage boys carrying guns in the 20000 block of East Indiana Avenue just after 3 p.m. on Sunday. An officer contacted the teens and determined that they were Airsoft rifles. The teens were warned about carrying them in public, Asmus said.

During the week of Feb. 25 through Monday, officers made eight arrests for driving with a suspended license, one for driving under the influence and one arrest on charges of driving under the influence and domestic violence assault.

Officers handed out six citations for failure to show proof of liability insurance and four for speeding. Additional citations were given for license and plates required, improper parking in a disabled parking space, driving without a license without identification, defective muffler, no splash aprons/fenders, improper passing on a curve and improper signaling.