Ex sheriff candidate arrested

A former candidate for Spokane County Sheriff was arrested Friday for stalking a woman who owns a business that makes political signs.

John G. Kallas, 54, of Spokane Valley, was taken into custody at the Public Safety Building when he showed up for a hearing on an anti-harassment order filed by Kay McGlocklin, owner of Preferred Labor Sign Association. He was booked and released on his own recognizance at Spokane County Jail, officials said.

Kallas, a former Tukwila, Wash., police detective, reportedly had been bothering McGlocklin for more than a year, but sheriff’s deputies took action this month after he allegedly sent letters to the 51-year-old woman threatening to harm her and her children, sheriff’s officials said.

The 54-year-old’s arrest on Friday wasn’t the first time he’s had problems with law enforcement. In 2002, he was charged with assault for apprehending a suspected shoplifter at the White Elephant sporting goods store. The Spokane County Prosecutor dismissed the charge because they believed the victim would not make a credible witness.

“I’ll say this,” Kallas said in a telephone interview. “The justice system again will do the right thing.”

McGlocklin declined to comment about Kallas’ harassment. She’s known him for quite some time, said Spokane County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Sgt. Dave Reagan. The two live in the same neighborhood.

The problems started last year when Kallas allegedly called and left degrading messages on McGlocklin’s answering machine, Reagan said. But within a month, the victim received a letter of apology.

In October 2005, he allegedly sent another letter professing his love for her and her children, Reagan said. Every Monday, he left a single red rose at McGlocklin’s business in Spokane Valley.

The threats to harm McGlocklin and her children started in August of this year, Reagan said. And a witness saw Kallas driving his jeep past her home several times.

Sheriff’s officials decided arresting Kallas after he passed through security at the Public Safety Building Friday was the safest option.

Kallas announced his intention in May to run for Spokane County sheriff as a Democrat, but withdrew the following day, citing displeasure with The Spokesman-Review’s coverage of his candidacy. He ran unsuccessfully for Spokane Valley City Council in 2002 and 2005.