Grandson Suspected In Severe Beating

Stevens County authorities are waiting for more medical information before charging a Spokane man who allegedly beat his grandfather nearly to death.

The victim, Donald R. Collum, 74, of Hot Springs, Mont., was in “guarded” condition Wednesday at Holy Family Hospital in Spokane.

Sheriff Craig Thayer said Collum was sent to the hospital in a coma April 12 after an alleged attack by his grandson, Thomas C. Collum Jr., 20, of Spokane.

Although the victim’s condition was upgraded at one point from critical to stable, a hospital spokeswoman said his condition now is “as bad as you can be.”

Thayer said Thomas Collum is believed to have beaten his grandfather in the face and head with his fists. X-rays showed the victim suffered a fractured cheekbone in addition to internal injuries.

“A charge is expected, but the degree of the charge is going to depend on how seriously the injuries are finally characterized,” Thayer said.

He said the assault occurred in the cab of a semi-truck driven by the victim’s son, Joseph Collum, who is the suspect’s uncle. The truck was stopped on North Deer Lake Road in southern Stevens County when an argument occurred.

Thayer declined to discuss the argument, but said it was witnessed by the suspect’s sister, Tanya Collum, 18, and two of her friends as well as Joseph Collum. The group was going from Spokane to a home in Chewelah, the sheriff said.