Liberty Lake Police Blotter: Stuffed toy gorilla’s disappearance prompts more reports of porch thievery
Joe the Gorilla is missing.
The life-size stuffed animal last seen wearing overalls and a silver badge was swiped from the front porch of a home in the 1600 block of North Winrock Street on Feb. 5. Joe was in charge of traffic control and typically held a simple sign that said “SLOW” above the comment “Please and thank you.”
The home is in the same neighborhood as two houses that were egged last week and another house that was egged this week, said Police Chief Brian Asmus. The newest egging incident was reported in the 200 block of North Wright Boulevard on Feb. 8. In this incident, someone also used feces to write the name of the homeowner’s son on the garage, said Asmus.
The police department posted a picture of Joe the Gorilla on its Facebook page and people began posting comments about having other items stolen from their porches that were never reported to police, Asmus said. Anyone who has had anything stolen is urged to report it.
Other calls from Feb. 2-9
Feb. 2: Two suspicious men were reported at a bank in the 1400 block of North Liberty Lake Road. One appeared to be “inspecting” the lobby while another asked random questions. They were still around the parking lot hours later and police were called. The men told police they were waiting for a ride.
Feb. 4: Tools were reported stolen from a truck parked overnight in the 1800 block of North Pepper Lane.
Feb. 6: A woman was arrested for domestic violence assault in the 24000 block of East Spotted Owl Lane at 2:26 a.m. She had apparently been shouting loudly enough to wake the neighbors, who then saw her hit a man in the face several times. She allegedly kicked an officer as she was being arrested and became violent enough in the back seat of the police car that leg restraints were put on. … A man was sliced across the chest with a box cutter in the 1300 block of North Liberty Lake Road. The suspect and the victim knew each other and had been arguing before the incident. The victim needed 20 stitches to close the 12-inch wound.
Arrests: Police made five arrests for driving with a suspended license, one on a warrant, one for possession of marijuana, one for theft, one for assault and one for harassment.
Citations: Officers handed out two citations for failure to display registration (snowmobile), three for expired vehicle registration and two for failure to show proof of liability insurance. Additional citations were given for allowing an unauthorized driver, failure to yield right of way, speeding and failure to wear a safety belt.