Police blotter: Calls allege fraud stemming from ‘Flirt-O-Matic,’ truck theft

The Liberty Lake Police Department received a call on May 5 from the owner of a stolen vehicle who said the vehicle may be parked somewhere in the Liberty Lake area. The vehicle could not be located, but the suspect in the case was identified by the owner, said Police Chief Brian Asmus.

The suspect was contacted and told police that the stolen truck had been taken to Coeur d’Alene. The truck was taken from a home in Spokane County, so the case was referred back to the Sheriff’s Office for follow-up, Asmus said.

A woman called police on May 5 to report fraud. She said she met someone on “Flirt-O-Matic” last year and agreed to send several packages of Blackberry phones to Africa for him after a lengthy online relationship.

Other incidents from May 5-12.

May 5: Two people were spotted smoking marijuana in the 22000 block of East Appleway Avenue. An officer advised them of the law involving smoking in public.

May 6: A commercial truck carrying lumber was reported flipped upside down in the 25000 block of East Hawkstone Loop shortly after noon. The driver was taken to a local hospital for treatment and the lumber and truck were removed from the road.

May 7: A non-injury accident was reported at Appleway Avenue and Liberty Lake Road.

May 10: A woman was arrested for domestic violence assault after allegedly punching her boyfriend three times in the 21000 block of East Country Vista Drive.

Monday: A toolbox was reported stolen from a work site in the area of Stonecrest Avenue and Wilmington Street. About $2,700 worth of tools was missing.

Arrests: Police made two arrests for driving with a suspended license, two for domestic violence assault and one for a warrant.

Citations: Officers gave out two citations for expired vehicle registration. Additional citations were given for driving without a license with identification, illegal use of studded tires, failure to stop at a red light and following too close.