Three arrested in hydrant vandalism

Spokane Valley Fire Department investigators arrested three suspects Thursday in several acts of fire hydrant vandalism that caused hundreds of dollars in damage.

Two of the suspects were identified by people who recognized them from a security video that was made public, and the third was turned in by someone who knew him, according to Fire Inspector Bill Clifford. The investigation continues, and more arrests are possible, he said.

Clifford said Michael R. Girven and Brandon T. Lopes, both 18, were booked into the Spokane County Jail on suspicion of felony malicious mischief. A 17-year-old boy, whom Clifford didn’t identify, was released to the custody of his parents. All are Spokane Valley residents.

Spokane Valley police said eight fire hydrants were opened last weekend, including one that flooded the basement of a home in the 3400 block of South Sundown Drive.

At East Valley Middle School, 4920 N. Progress, the cap from an open hydrant was thrown through a school window. At University High School, 12420 E. 32nd Ave., a security camera recorded two young men opening a hydrant on the school grounds Sunday afternoon.