Driver ditches Liberty Lake police following wreck

A speeding driver was able to elude a Liberty Lake police officer after crashing about 2 a.m. on Oct. 15, but police say they believe they know who he is.

The driver was attempting to turn into a driveway off Highway 53 just across the Idaho border when he lost control. He ran into a wooded area and a police K-9 tracked him a short distance before losing his trail, said Police Chief Brian Asmus.

An officer first spotted the driver speeding east on Interstate 90 and attempted to stop him. The fleeing vehicle went through a couple of red lights. Police were able to speak to the registered owner’s girlfriend, who told police that her boyfriend had driven to Spokane to visit friends earlier, Asmus said. An open alcoholic beverage was found in the vehicle’s cup holder, Asmus said.

Other events

Oct. 14: A theft was reported in the 1900 block of North Cavalier Road. A resident reported that someone had entered his work truck and took 75 brass plumbing seats for faucets.

Oct. 16: A contractor reported that a gas fireplace had been stolen from a home under construction in the 2000 block of East Glenbrook Avenue. It is valued at $1,500.

A resident in the 1600 block of North Holl Road reported that someone had entered their garage and stolen two Trek mountain bikes, ammunition and other items.

Oct. 17: An Ohio man was arrested for soliciting without a license after he was reported selling Sierra cleaning supplies in the area of Valleyway Avenue and Knudson Street.

Oct. 19: A business in the 1100 block of North Liberty Lake Road reported that a man came in demanding that they pay their Avista bill and said someone would be by to collect it. The business had already paid its bill and the incident is believed to be a scam.

Arrests: There was one arrest for driving with a suspended license.

Citations: Officers handed out two citations for failure to show proof of liability insurance and four for speeding.