Man hospitalized after attack while delivering newspapers

A Spokane man was hospitalized Monday after being beaten by two men who police say mistakenly believed he was breaking into a car.

The victim reportedly was helping a Spokesman-Review newspaper carrier with his route when the attack took place shortly before 6 a.m., near the intersection of 18th and Ray.

According to the Spokane Police Department, Ryan L. Erickson and Ryan J. Curley, both 21, beat the man, cutting his head and face, breaking his shoulder and possibly some ribs. Erickson and Curley have been arrested on suspicion of second-degree assault.

Police found the 36-year-old victim lying in the street, said police spokesman Cpl. Tom Lee.

The victim had just been dropped off by the delivery carrier so they could work two areas.

Police said Curley’s car had been broken into Saturday night. When the car’s alarm sounded Monday morning, the two men spotted the man, whom they chased and beat.

There is no evidence Curley’s car was broken into Monday morning, police said.