Deputies raid Spokane Valley nuisance home

More than 20 people were found inside a nuisance home Thursday morning in Spokane Valley when it was raided by Spokane Valley deputies. Five people, including the homeowner, were arrested.

The home at 4522 E. Second Avenue has been the source of 33 calls to police since January, according to a Spokane Valley Police Department news release. The calls have included drugs, stolen vehicles, suspicious vehicles, theft and prostitution. Police have arrested seven people for various crimes at the home during the same time period and responded to multiple calls for drug overdoses.

The homeowner, identified as 52-year-old Charles D. Douvia, was arrested on suspicion of unlawful use of a building for drug purposes. His roommate, 54-year-old Tracy L. Thornton, was arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance and possession of a dangerous weapon. Thornton has 15 prior felony convictions.

Thornton was arrested in February for possession of a controlled substance. At the time he reportedly admitted being a pimp, according to court documents. He was released after posting $10,000 bond and his trial is set for May 31.

According to court documents, neighbors reported a lot of visitors to the home who only stayed for a few minutes. One man told police that he frequently saw women he believed were prostitutes getting into cars with men and driving way, court documents said.

Deputies found $1,886 in cash in the home along with heroin, methamphetamine, a handgun and a large amount of used hypodermic needles, the press release said.

Deanne L. Nordstrom, 39, was arrested on a felony escape warrant. Timothy R. Jackson, 50, and Peter F. Heinen, 24, were both arrested on misdemeanor warrants.