Firefighters report few fireworks calls
Perhaps it was because of the official warnings that fireworks would not be tolerated. Perhaps Independence Day exuberance is a little more rational in the middle of the week.
For whatever reason, the Spokane Fire Department reported no significant incidents and only three minor fireworks-related calls from June 29 to July 4, Assistant Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer said.
Five police officers were assigned to work with fire officials on fireworks duty this year, handing out $513 tickets to anyone caught violating the 14-year-old ban on pyrotechnics. Schaeffer estimated 40 to 60 tickets were issued.
Also, the bomb squad was called out to detonate a “sprinkler bomb,” an improvised explosive device constructed from consumer fireworks but much more dangerous.
“Apparently when the bomb squad detonated it, it was quite spectacular,” Schaeffer said.
– Staff reports
Charges sought in homeless man’s death
Spokane police requested first-degree murder and first-degree arson charges Wednesday against a man who allegedly set fire last month to a homeless man in a wheelchair.
Police are seeking charges against Matthew B. Trammell, 23, in connection with the death of Doug Dawson, 50. Police are not considering charges against Sean P. Knold, 23, who was reportedly with Trammell at the time of the incident.
Trammell and Knold are in Spokane County Jail on suspicion of robbing another person shortly before Dawson was set afire.
– Benjamin Shors
Scooter-theft victim offered gift of wheels
Jim Breen, the Spokane resident who reported to police that his mobility scooter was stolen Sunday, has wheels again.
Breen said he received a phone call Wednesday from a man who said his late wife had a scooter and he wanted to give it to Breen. Other readers also e-mailed or called The Spokesman-Review offering money donations or a scooter to Breen.
Breen, who does not have a left leg, said his scooter was stolen when he was eating at McDonald’s at Monroe Avenue and Indiana Street.
– Hilary Kraus
Bonner County
Prosecutor awaiting reports in crash death
Bonner County Prosecutor Phil Robinson said his office is awaiting reports from an accident reconstructionist and results of urinalysis tests before charging Jason C. Miller with felony vehicular manslaughter.
The 25-year-old Oldtown, Idaho, man was arrested Saturday after he hit a Cadillac Deville while trying to pass several cars. The driver of the Cadillac, 78-year-old Richard M. Boge, of Spokane, died at the scene, according to Idaho State Police.
So far, Miller has only been charged with felony possession of meth.
Bail was set at $25,000 on that charge. Miller remains in custody at the Bonner County Jail.
– Taryn Brodwater