River dip to elude police fails for two suspects

A swim in the river failed to thwart police officers and deputies who were in pursuit of a fleeing car Saturday night.

A Liberty Lake police officer attempted to pull over a car at Liberty Lake Road and Appleway Avenue because it had no license plates. The car fled, getting on Interstate 90 and heading west to Spokane Valley.

Spokane County deputies joined the chase and the car exited at Sullivan Road, said Liberty Lake police Chief Brian Asmus. The car drove off the road near Sullivan and Indiana and went down an embankment.

Two men got out of the car and swam across the Spokane River in an attempt to lose officers, Asmus said. However, deputies on the north side of the river were able to catch them.

One of the men, identified as James D. McMurtrey, was wanted on a felony warrant for failure to register as a sex offender. He also was charged with attempting to elude police.

Other calls from June 1-8

June 1: A man in the 23000 block of East Sinto Avenue reported that his son had used his credit card to pay for $700 in items.

June 2: Someone reported seeing juveniles damage several newly planted trees in the 1400 block of North Meadowwood Lane. The trees had to be replaced.

June 4: A deceased person was reported in the 23000 block of East Mission Avenue. The person had died in their sleep.

June 6: A vehicle prowl was reported in the 1800 block of North Peppertree Lane. The car’s side window was broken out and $50 in items was missing.

Arrests: Police made three arrests for driving with a suspended license.

Citations: Officers handed out citations for following too close and speeding.