In brief: Gas leak prompts school evacuation
Students were evacuated Wednesday from Pasadena Park Elementary School after a contractor cut through a nearby gas line, causing a natural gas leak.
The students were moved to other elementary schools according to evacuation plans and then returned to Pasadena Park, said West Valley School District spokeswoman Sue Shields.
The incident occurred about 11 a.m.
Avista repaired the leak and ventilated the school. It was cleared for the children to return about an hour after the incident began.
“That stuff dissipates pretty quickly once they open the windows up,” said Spokane Valley Fire Public Information Officer Bill Clifford.
Afternoon kindergarten was canceled.
No one was injured, although one girl was treated for an anxiety attack, Clifford said.
Animals at the West Valley Outdoor Learning Center on site were safe because they are on the opposite end of the building, he said.
Spokane
Immigrant didn’t report for jail term
Officers are looking for an illegal immigrant who didn’t report to jail after pleading guilty to a Spokane Valley assault last year.
Secret Witness is offering a reward for information leading to Francisco Lara-Higuera’s capture.
Lara-Higuera was sentenced about a month ago to three months in jail and a year of probation after he pleaded guilty to second-degree assault. But he was allowed to defer his reporting date and never showed up at the jail to serve his time.
Authorities have information that Lara-Higuera may be planning to leave the country.
Lara-Higuera, 24, has black hair and brown eyes. He is 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs 200 pounds. His last known address is 117 S. Ralph St.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts should call (509) 327-5111.
Reward offered in search for man
Secret Witness is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of a man wanted for passing phony checks, drug possession and driving with his license suspended.
Troy Allen Baldwin, 38, is wanted on several outstanding warrants, and authorities have developed a case to arrest him on additional charges.
The forgery warrant stems from cashing bogus checks.
Baldwin is 6 feet tall, 190 pounds with blue eyes and brown hair.
His last known address is 1807 N. Ella St.
Anyone with information about Baldwin’s whereabouts is asked to call (509) 327-5111.