Fund created to assist family of man killed in holdup attempt

A fund has been established to assist the family of an Otis Orchards man killed in an attempted robbery the day after Christmas.

Joseph K. Hatchie, a 47-year-old former military policeman, died after a clerk at Lew’s Smokeshop allegedly shot him when Hatchie brandished a realistic-looking pellet gun.

Hatchie’s family faced eviction from their duplex, as well as mounting medical bills, according to the family. Hatchie had seven children and stepchildren, including four who lived at home. The youngest child is 8 years old.

The fund will be used to pay rent, utilities, food and other expenses, according to a press release from friends of the family.

Donations can be made to the HLFC Help Fund for the benefit of the Kim Hatchie family, and checks can be sent to The Hayden Lake Friends Church, 251 W. Miles Ave., Hayden, ID 83835.

Checks may also be delivered to Mountain West Bank offices in Hayden, Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene.