Man Takes To River To Avoid Police

A 35-year-old Spokane man tried to escape arrest for allegedly violating a domestic protection order Saturday night by walking into the swollen Spokane River and climbing a tree, police said.

Jon K. Lien, of 2008 W. Boone, was suspected of having broken a window Friday night at a home where his estranged wife was staying. A fire also was started on the front porch of the home, and police had been looking for Lien to question him.

Hours earlier, Lien had been served with a protection order.

On Saturday, police were tipped that Lien was camping along the river bank near the Maple Street bridge and that he had a large knife. Police said they used a police dog to find Lien about 8:30 p.m. Saturday, but he waded into the river and climbed a tree.

Lien allegedly refused officer requests to return to shore, but after a few minutes complained of being cold.

Police called the river rescue team and firefighters, who removed Lien from his perch. Medics examined him, but he was not hospitalized. Lien was being held in Spokane County Jail Sunday night for violating the protection order.

, DataTimes