Vandalism cases raise fear of hate crimes
Spokane police said Friday that two acts of vandalism near the Planned Parenthood office on East Indiana Avenue may be hate crimes.
In the first case, 11 days ago, the words “Baby Killers” were spray painted onto a van.
The large passenger van was one of two belonging to the Crayon College day care at 115 E. Indiana, which is in the same office complex as Planned Parenthood.
On Friday morning, Crayon College reported that both vans had windshields and side windows broken out overnight. Officer Tim Moses estimated the damage at $2,000 or more, making the crime a felony.
The day care and several other businesses in the complex have no connection with Planned Parenthood but share a parking lot. Moses said the day care vans are unmarked, and the vandals apparently assumed they belonged to Planned Parenthood.
“We’re afraid this thing is escalating to a point where it might get worse,” Moses said.
He said police have no suspects but are increasing patrols in the area.
– John Craig
Candidates in town this weekend
Here are some opportunities to see candidates over the weekend:
Today:
8 a.m. Democratic congressional candidate Peter Goldmark and supporters, on horseback, riding on Riverside Avenue in downtown to the post office at Lincoln Street to cast mail ballots.
4 p.m. Televised forum for District Court candidates, taped earlier, on Spokane Cable Channel 5.
8 p.m. Televised forum for Spokane County commissioner candidates, taped earlier, on Spokane Cable Channel 5.
Sunday:
10 a.m. Televised forum for Spokane legislative candidates, taped earlier, on Spokane Cable Channel 5.
3 p.m. Sens. Maria Cantwell and Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, at a discussion of farm issues, Caterina Winery, 905 N. Washington, Spokane.
– Jim Camden
Post Falls
Police seek SUV linked to drive-by
Post Falls police are looking for a champagne-colored sport utility vehicle whose occupants may have been involved in a drive-by shooting on Thursday.
Three to five bullets were fired at a home at 1905 E. Meadow Way, and two bullets pierced the garage door, according to Post Falls police.
Three people were inside the home at the time of the shooting that afternoon but didn’t call police. A passer-by who witnessed the crime dialed 911.
When police arrived at the home, nobody answered the door, Lt. Greg McLean said. Officers found an open window and yelled inside in an attempt to make sure no one was injured, McLean said.
Two men in their late 20s were caught trying to run through the front door, police said.
Police went inside and found 20-year-old Emily Vigne allegedly hiding in the home’s crawlspace. She was arrested on an outstanding warrant from Spokane County for theft and drug charges.
Anyone with information on the drive-by shooting is asked to call Post Falls police at (208) 773-3517.
– Taryn Brodwater