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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Thoughtful wheel thieves leave car on blocks

Liberty Lake police responded to an unusual theft call recently when someone stole the wheels and tires off a car parked at the Mercedes dealership in the 21000 block of East George Gee Lane.

The thieves helpfully brought wooden blocks to put the car upon after they stole the wheels on April 26, said police Chief Brian Asmus.

They also left behind a large plastic tote filled with old photos and memorabilia that had been stolen from a garage in Spokane, Asmus said.

“Our theory is that there wasn’t enough room for it and the wheels and tires in whatever they were driving, so it got left behind,” he said.

The family that lost the tote was grateful to get it back, Asmus said.

A few days later a similar theft of tires and wheels involving “donated” wooden blocks was reported at the Dishman Dodge dealership in Spokane Valley.

Other calls from

April 25 to May 9

April 26: Vehicle prowls were reported in the 500 block of North Garry Drive, the 1500 block of North Caufield Court, the 1200 block of North Liberty Lake Road and the 800 block of North Knudson. Two of the cars had windows broken out and hundreds of dollars’ worth of items were reported stolen. A car was reported stolen in the 900 block of North Wright Boulevard.

April 27: A resident in the 20000 block of East Baldwin Avenue reported theft of $100 in prescription medication that he received in the mail.

April 29: A driver reported a road-rage incident that begin near I-90 and Liberty Lake Road. A driver said he was cut off and followed the other driver to a local business and confronted him. The other driver reportedly pulled out a gun. The driver with a gun could not be located. A garage burglary was reported in the 19000 block of East Caufield Avenue.

May 2: A pickup was pulled over at Molter Road and Appleway Avenue for having studded tires on. Officers learned that one of the men was wanted on the warrant and the truck had recently been stolen and repainted with spray paint. Kyza R. Richardson was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and Eugene P. Steggall was arrested for possession of stolen property.

May 3: An officer spotted a man on a bicycle in the 2300 block of North Madsen Road whom he recognized as someone wanted on multiple warrants. The officer followed the man to a nearby hotel, where the man entered a room that didn’t belong to him. The man jumped out the window and led police on a foot chase until he was caught and arrested. Taurus Lapin is facing a new charge of second-degree burglary in addition to the warrants.

May 8: A 5-year-old boy was found in the 21000 block of East Mission Avenue just after 5 p.m. The boy was able to tell police where he lived. The boy’s father told police he didn’t realize his son had left the home.

Arrests: Police made four arrests for driving with a suspended license, one for domestic violence assault, two on warrants, one for rendering criminal assistance and one for possession of a controlled substance.

Citations: Officers handed out three citations for failure to show proof of liability insurance and four for speeding. Additional citations were given for failure to stop at a red light, failure to secure a load and use of a cell phone.