Liberty Lake blotter: Police called by homeowner – and find batteries

What a homeowner thought was a burglar may have just been a pack of batteries falling off a shelf and onto the floor.

Liberty Lake police were called to the 1100 block of North Malvern Road on Sunday when the homeowner heard a loud noise upstairs and thought someone had broken in. Officers searched the home and only found the batteries on the upstairs hallway floor, said Police Chief Brian Asmus. There also were no tracks in the snow outside.

A juvenile arrested for allegedly trying to steal a bottle of alcohol from a business in the 1200 block of North Liberty Lake Road on Dec. 27 had a unique excuse for officers. He said he was stressed and thought the alcohol would “calm his nerves,” Asmus said. He was cited for third-degree theft and released to his parents.

Other events from Dec. 23-30.

Dec. 25: A resident reported that an acquaintance had failed to return a borrowed vehicle and he wanted to report it stolen. The car was returned to its owner on Dec. 27.

Dec. 26: A bike was reported stolen from the 21000 block of East Country Vista Drive. The bike’s owner said it was locked to the metal bars under the stairs in front of her apartment. The lock was missing as well.

Dec. 27: A man reported picking up a female juvenile as she was walking along I-90 because he was concerned for her safety. When he discovered she was a runaway he stopped in Liberty Lake and called police to pick her up.

Dec. 29: An officer discovered vandalism in the 24000 block of East Country Vista Drive. Several fence slats had been pushed or kicked in and graffiti was spray painted on one section of fence. A man in the 23000 block of East Calgary Court said someone had been banging on his garage door and he suspected it was his ex-wife. The woman was contacted and was found to have been at work at the time.

Arrests: Police made four arrests for driving with a suspended license and two for driving under the influence.

Citations: Officers handed out three citations for failure to show proof of liability insurance. Additional citations were given for expired vehicle registration, defective muffler and speeding.