In brief: Plea deal reached in drive-by shooting

A gang member pleaded guilty Wednesday to a drive-by shooting last fall outside the Swaxx nightclub in north Spokane.

Taurean D. Jones, 25, pleaded guilty to drive-by shooting in a deal that dismissed a second charge of felon in possession of a firearm.

Superior Court Judge Sam Cozza denied a request by defense attorney James Kirkham to release Jones on bond pending sentencing, saying he feared that Jones may become a victim of a retaliation shooting.

Kirkham said he and deputy prosecutor Mark Cipolla have agreed to recommend a sentence of three years in prison in connection with the 1:40 a.m. shooting on Nov. 25 outside Swaxx, at 25 E. Lincoln Road.

Jones previously served six months in jail for a felony riot conviction stemming from a gang-related shooting in 2006. Jones also was arrested following a April 22, 2010, incident where he was accused of shooting at a motorist. He later pleaded guilty to second-degree assault in that case.

Wind storm levels 20 to 30 trees

National Weather Service meteorologists believe a large wind storm blew down numerous trees near Rathdrum.

Strong winds traveled on a cold front from the southwest, knocking over about 20 to 30 trees within a small area near Rathdrum. Some were about 3 feet in diameter, weather service meteorologist Steve Bodnar said.

Radar maps show wind speeds reached about 60 mph during the storm.

There was substantial damage to a barn, house and trailer after trees fell on them near Rathdrum, Bodnar said. The owner of the house was in the basement when the tree fell, according to the weather service.