In brief: Boy nearly abducted on way to school
A 7-year-old boy was nearly abducted Thursday morning on the way to a school bus stop, but his 12-year-old sister intervened, police said.
When the man grabbed the boy, the girl quickly pulled him away, said Spokane Police Officer Timothy Moses. The man then returned to his car and fled.
The children’s mother called police Friday to report the abduction attempt, Moses said, adding the delay was due in part to a language barrier.
The man was described as white, possibly in his 60s, with short gray hair, a mustache and glasses and was driving a small red four-door car, Moses said.
About 8:45 a.m. Thursday, the man approached the boy near Fourth Avenue and Lacey Street as the children walked. The suspect reportedly did not speak to the children nor was he able to physically assault them, Moses said.
Anyone who has information regarding the attempted abduction or the suspect should call (509) 242-8477 or 911.
Appeal on firing ruling delayed
A Spokane County Superior Court hearing to determine whether Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich can appeal a Civil Service Commission decision to reinstate a fired deputy has been postponed until next week.
Knezovich is trying to appeal the Commission’s decision to reverse his firing of a deputy who flashed an Airway Heights barista during the summer.
The Commission last month changed Detective Joseph Mastel’s firing to a year-long suspension followed by retirement, a decision that has created controversy and prompted the Spokane County Commissioners to change the make-up of the Civil Service Commission.
The new Superior Court hearing will take place 9 a.m. Feb. 16.
Vandals can’t stop spaghetti feed
Garland Alliance Church’s spaghetti feed benefit scheduled for Sunday will happen as planned despite the church being vandalized earlier this week.
The event is at noon, said Teri DeLong, who is helping with the spaghetti feed. The fundraiser is to help the church’s high school youth group with expenses for a trip to a conference in Oregon.
Vandals struck at the church sometime between 8 p.m. Wednesday and 8 a.m. Thursday and caused from $10,000 to $15,000 in damages, police said. The break-in was the third in three months at the church, 2011 W. Garland.
Volunteer cleanup crews worked throughout Thursday.
Walk for charity planned Sunday
Motorists are advised to keep an eye out for participants in the Partners in Pain 5K Walk, which will take place Sunday starting at 10 a.m. at West Central Community Center on Summit Boulevard.
Walkers will start at West Central and will finish at the corner of West Point Road and Mission Avenue, a city of Spokane spokeswoman said. Walkers should complete the course by around 11:30 a.m.
There will be no lane closures, but vehicles with emergency lights activated will be leading the participants.
Articles on living as minority sought
The Americorps Vista volunteers and the Spokane School District are collecting short articles recognizing experiences of diverse members of the community to be compiled and published this summer.
Subjects having to do with such issues as race, disability, poverty, homelessness, sexual orientation, single parenting, living as a gang member or as a mixed race couple will be considered.
The book, to be published in August as part of a civic engagement project, will offer a glimpse into the challenges of living in the minority, said Vickie Scott-Woodley, an Americorps volunteer.
For information or to submit a snapshot of your experience for consideration, e-mail vwoodley@netzero.net, or mail to Bill Skaer, Student Support Services, Spokane Public Schools, 200 N. Bernard, Spokane, WA. 99201, or e-mail billsk@spokaneschools.org.
All submitted material must provide name, address and phone number.
Bonner County
Deputies seek tips on missing man
The Bonner County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a 48-year-old Coolin, Idaho, man whose truck was found abandoned. Authorities also are looking for two people considered persons of interest in his disappearance.
The Sheriff’s Office began looking for the missing Leslie Carlton Breaw on Monday. Sheriff’s deputies and Bonner County Search and Rescue looked for Breaw in the area where his truck was found. His home in Coolin also was searched, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Two associates of Breaw, Keith Allan Brown and Tyrah Brea Brown, have been identified as persons who might have information about Breaw’s disappearance, the Sheriff’s Office said. The pair may be headed to the Bozeman area in a midsized white vehicle, authorities said Friday.
Breaw is 5 feet 5 inches tall and 155 pounds with brown eyes, black hair and possibly a mustache.
Keith Brown, 47, is 5 feet 10 inches tall and 195 pounds with blue eyes and brown/grey hair. Tyrah Brown, 25, is 5 feet 5 inches tall and 120 pounds with blue eyes and blond hair.
Anyone who has seen any of the three is asked to contact Bonner County Dispatch at (208) 265-5525.
Compiled from staff reports.