Police Blotter: Buyer bilks dealer for $70,000 RV

Reports of identity theft and fraud have been on the upswing again in Liberty Lake after several local residents reported discovering that their information had been used to make purchases.

On Sept. 1 a resident called Liberty Lake police to report that someone had opened a Century Link account in her name. A resident called police on Sept. 2 to report that someone had opened a checking account at the local branch of U.S. Bank using her Social Security number.

But the biggest loss was on Sept. 3, when an employee of an RV dealership in the 19000 block of East Cataldo Avenue reported that a man had used fraudulent information on an application to purchase an RV valued at more than $70,000.

All three reports are under investigation.

Other calls from Aug. 31-Sept. 7

Sept. 2: A hit-and-run accident reportedly occurred at a store near County Vista Drive. A witness provided information about the suspect to the car’s owner, who passed it on to police. Officers were able to track down the man, who was arrested.

Sept. 4: A woman reported that her purse was stolen from her vehicle in the 3000 block of North Harvard Road while she was taking a walk.

Sept. 6: A man was arrested for assault and unlawful imprisonment in the 1800 block of North Harvard Road after witnesses saw him pinning a woman up against a vehicle.

Citations: Liberty Lake officers handed out two citations for failure to show proof of liability insurance and two others for speeding. Additional citations were given out for expired licenses in possession/displayed, failure to install a required ignition interlock device – a breathalyzer installed onto a dashboard – driving without lights when required and following too close.