Officer Takes Over Serial Killer Task Force

Fri., March 27, 1998

From Staff And Wire Reports

A new police captain has been appointed as co-commander of the task force chasing Spokane’s serial killer.

Steve Braun took over the position Thursday, the Police Department reported. He replaces Chuck Bown, who was promoted to acting deputy chief, also on Thursday.

Braun is a former commander of the city’s drug investigation unit and was promoted to captain about a year ago.

He joins sheriff’s Capt. Doug Silver in overseeing the task force, which is investigating the unsolved murders of 20 women. Detectives believe six of the homicides were committed by the same person.

Bown had served as co-commander since November, when the task force was formed.

The 26-year veteran now will serve in the department’s No. 3 position.

The spot came open when Roger Bragdon was named interim police chief following former chief Terry Mangan’s retirement earlier this month.

A search for a permanent replacement for Mangan is under way.

, DataTimes

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