In brief: Driver who escaped after chase still sought
Spokane Valley Police are still looking for a woman who led them on a high-speed chase Tuesday and for her passenger, who was released from jail after providing a false name.
The alleged driver, 21-year-old Jessica Helms, was never caught after running away from the Pontiac Grand Am on the 12500 block of East Valleyway.
Her passenger, Nathan E. Eldred, identified her to police, but gave them the name of his brother, Nicklaus Eldred, when he was being booked into jail.
The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office discovered the lie when they checked his fingerprints Wednesday, but by that time Nathan Eldred already had been released.
Eldred, 30, has a felony drug warrant for his arrest out of Kootenai County.
Helms has a felony warrant out for her arrest, as well, for escaping from custody for drug possession.
She allegedly led the Washington State Patrol and then Spokane Valley Police on a high-speed chase Tuesday along streets near Sprague and University. Police said she ran a stop sign almost hitting a patrol car.
Anyone with information about Helms or Eldred is asked to call 911.
– Amy Cannata
Spokane
Female performers hurt in riser collapse
Five women at the downtown DoubleTree Hotel received minor injuries after the riser they were standing on collapsed.
They reportedly were Sweet Adelines practicing for an evening competition.
Four women were taken to the hospital to be evaluated as a precaution, said Spokane Fire Chief Bobby Williams. The fifth refused an ambulance ride.
The injuries were primarily bumps and bruises; one person might have suffered a fracture, said Assistant Chief Brian Schaeffer.
The riser the women were standing on was about 2 feet tall, Schaeffer said. It appears it buckled.
Jody Lawrence-Turner
Fund started to help man run over by SUV
A family friend has set up a fund to help cover medical and living expenses for Brian Parr, who was run over Monday by an SUV.
“It would be my greatest joy to get any money in there to help him out,” said Natalie Lattanzio, neighbor to the family.
Parr, who turns 21 in May, was released Friday from the hospital after being treated for injuries, including surgery for a cracked clavicle. Because of damage to his vertebrae, he will return for further testing to make sure his spine is not in greater danger, said Parr’s mother, Tina Trotta.
But money’s an issue. Parr worked as a roofer.
“His prognosis as far as returning back to work was six months to a year, so it’s really scary,” Trotta said.
Parr is just grateful that Lillyann, his nearly 2-year-old daughter, is OK, Trotta said. Parr threw her stroller out of harm’s way before being run over by the mid-‘90s Ford Explorer.
People who wish to donate can contact the Numerica Credit Union’s South Hill branch, at (509) 535-7613, or give at any area Numerica branch.
– Tom Bowers