Man dies after North Side shooting

A man died after suffering a gunshot wound to his chest during an attack Monday in northeast Spokane.

Spokane police were investigating the shooting, which was reported about 9:50 p.m. near the intersection of North Dakota Street and East Jackson Avenue.

Initial reports indicated the victim, whose identity was unknown, could have been targeted in a drive-by shooting. Police said they were searching the immediate area for the killer. It was unclear what prompted the attack.

Residents of the neighborhood reported hearing several gunshots, then screams for help.

Rochelle Wendle, who lives nearby, was sitting near a window in her house when she heard four or five blasts.

Wendle said people were yelling, “Get me an ambulance! I need help! Call 911! Someone’s been shot!”

She said she didn’t hear or see a car but did see movement in her yard that could have been people running through it.

Other neighbors said the shooting might have been linked to a house that has been the scene of frequent police visits in recent months.

– Jody Lawrence-Turner

Sculpture honors Fox donor’s father

A bronze relief sculpture of music lover Martin Woldson was unveiled Monday at the restored Fox Theater, set to reopen Saturday.

The sculpture by Spokane artist Vincent De Felice was installed in the “founders gallery” of the theater that is being renamed as the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox, 1001 W. Sprague Ave.

The artwork was commissioned to honor a $3 million contribution by Woldson’s daughter, Myrtle Woldson. Martin Woldson was a contractor who helped build transcontinental railroads in the region and was involved in business in Spokane.

– From staff reports

Council delays vote on condo tower

A decision that would put an end to a controversial condo tower near Peaceful Valley has been delayed.

Earlier this year, the Spokane City Council agreed to settle a lawsuit with developer Mick McDowell by allowing him to build the tower, which had been denied by the city hearing examiner. That agreement also allowed him to lease city land next to Fire Station No. 1 to construct a commercial building. The deal was put on hold after a group of Peaceful Valley residents sued the city and McDowell.

The new agreement, which had been scheduled for City Council approval Monday, would prevent a tower near Peaceful Valley. In return, the city would sell McDowell the land near Fire Station No. 1.

Jim Sheehan, owner of the adjacent Saranac Building, has expressed concerns that a McDowell building could block solar panels he recently installed.

Chief Operating Officer John Pilcher said last week the administration agreed to delay action on the agreement for two weeks to allow McDowell and Sheehan time to meet.

– Jonathan Brunt

Spokane county

Deputy in shooting identified

Spokane sheriff’s Sgt. Bill Beeman has been identified as the deputy who shot an armed man Thursday in the Green Bluff area, city police officials said Monday.

The man, who has not been identified, remains hospitalized, officials said.

Beeman, a 22-year veteran of the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, was searching an area near Day-Mt. Spokane and Dunn roads for a man witnesses said stuffed his shirt in his truck’s gas tank and set it on fire, police said.

After Beeman arrived in the area, the man came running out of the woods with a knife, said Spokane police spokesman Officer Glenn Barlett.

– From staff reports