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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Transient feels safe staying at Liberty Lake

A transient recently started calling Liberty Lake home and police have responded to his location several times after businesses have called and said he refused to leave. Officers were called to the Park and Ride the evening of July 16 and to Appleway Avenue and Liberty Lake Road on July 17, said Police Chief Brian Asmus.

“We’ve offered lots of social services to him,” Asmus said. The man has either used up available services or has been asked not to come back, he said. The man often tells police that he thinks someone is out to get him. Police have offered to transport him to Spokane where more services are available but the man has declined, Asmus said. “He likes Liberty Lake,” he said. “He feels safer here. He calls us and lets us know where he’s going to be staying for the night.”

Other calls from July 14-21.

July 14: A car was reported on the BNSF tracks near Campbell Road and Gilbert Road in an area where there is no crossing. The car was pulled off the tracks, but the driver gave a false name to police. He was cited for reckless driving, trespassing, and making false or misleading statements.

July 15: A man was spotted sleeping at the gas pumps in the 22000 block of East Appleway. He said his friend had pumped gas but he had to cash a check before he could pay for the gas. The man left and never returned. He will be charged with theft.

July 16: A woman in the 21000 block of East Mullan Road reported her adult son missing after not hearing from him for two days. He was located in the Kootenai County Jail.

July 17: A large fight was reported in the 22000 block of East Country Vista Drive. Intoxication is thought to have played a role.

A vehicle was spotted near the water tower at Legacy Ridge Drive and Parkview Court. The car’s occupants were advised to leave the private property.

July 18: A man left a grocery store in the 1200 block of North Liberty Lake Road with $100 worth of groceries without paying for them. The man was gone when police arrived.

July 19: A resident in the 22000 block of East Country Vista Drive reported finding a toddler who was playing with a kitten. Police were able to locate the child’s mother, who said she had been taking a nap and wasn’t sure how the child had gotten out of her apartment.

A person called in a noise complaint in the area of Mission Avenue and Molter Road, where the Walk for Life relay was taking place. The caller was notified that the event had been approved by the City Council.

A person in the area of Barker Road and Alki Avenue reported that a girl with a pit bull on a pink leash had stolen his bicycle. Police located the girl’s home and when she came outside the pit bull charged at police twice. The officer kicked at the dog both times until the girl was able to restrain the dog.

Arrests: Police made one arrest for driving with a suspended license, one for driving under the influence, two for warrants and one for possession of a stolen vehicle.

Citations: Officers handed out four citations for failure to show proof of liability insurance and four for speeding. Additional citations were given for parking in a no parking zone, expired vehicle registration and improper passing on the left.