Suspect sought in fatal shooting

Spokane police were on a manhunt late Saturday for a suspect accused of shooting a man twice at a South Hill apartment. The victim later died at a local hospital.

The suspect, described as a black male who goes by the street name Chronic, was driving either a white or silver Cadillac when he fled the scene at 1612 W. Seventh Ave., Spokane police Sgt. Joe Walker said.

A woman inside an apartment at that address called police just after 8 p.m. She told officers that she had been arguing with the victim, a man who appeared to be his in 40s, and she called Chronic apparently to help mediate, Walker said. Officers aren’t sure what happened after the suspect arrived, but the woman said he pulled a gun and shot the victim.

“We haven’t found a weapon,” Walker said.

A woman who manages an apartment house across from the shooting was coming home from grocery shopping with her children when she saw the police cars and flares. “It’s really hard to see this, especially when you have kids,” she said.

– Thomas Clouse

Spokane Valley crash injures North Idaho pair

Two North Idaho residents were injured Saturday after their vehicle crashed into a car that had stopped in the middle of Interstate 90 with its lights off, according to the Washington State Patrol.

The accident happened at 1:24 a.m. after an eastbound car driven by Andrew J. Simpson of Greenacres veered off the highway at milepost 293 in Spokane Valley. Simpson, 23, got the 1991 Acura Legend back on the road but came to a stop in the middle of the interstate with the car’s lights off, according to a WSP press memo.

A 2000 Dodge Neon, driven by Christina L. Norton of Coeur d’Alene, also was eastbound on I-90 and crashed into Simpson’s car.

Norton, 25, and passenger Jack E. Striegel, 31, of Post Falls, were injured and transported to Deaconess Medical Center. Norton was listed in satisfactory condition Saturday afternoon. Striegel was treated and released.

Simpson, who wasn’t injured, was arrested on suspicion of vehicular assault, according to WSP. Both drivers have been charged with driving under the influence.

– Virginia de Leon

Tax exemptions offered for seniors, disabled

The Spokane County Assessor’s Office is reminding seniors and people with disabilities that they may qualify for significant tax reductions.

The office is accepting applications for property tax exemptions for homeowners who have household incomes under $35,000 and are at least 62 years old or considered 100 percent disabled.

“If they’re eligible, we want them to get that break,” Assessor Ralph Baker said.

Property tax bills for the first half of the year were sent out Tuesday. The earlier people apply for exemptions, the more likely the reduction can be approved before first-half taxes are due in April, Baker said. People whose exemptions aren’t approved in time will receive refunds later.

Reductions vary by a person’s income. For example, homeowners who earn $25,000 or less get to subtract $60,000 from the value of their home for tax purposes. Last year, 11,000 Spokane County households received the exemptions.

To be eligible, a person must prove his or her income. Applications are available on the assessor’s Web site or by calling (509) 477-5754.

– Jonathan Brunt