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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Liberty lake blotter

Liberty Lake police had an active week from April 7-14, making an arrest in a case where a man was causing a disturbance in Safeway and assisting Spokane County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrest a man found sleeping on a couch.

Officers responded to the Liberty Lake Safeway about 2:30 p.m. on April 13 after the store manager reported a man was smoking a cigar, yelling, swearing and making threats. “He was just drunk,” said police Chief Brian Asmus. “The guy ended up hitting the manager with the door.”

The man had gone to the nearby Carl’s Jr. by the time police arrived, where he was still swearing and yelling. Customers were leaving because they were scared, Asmus said, and the man refused to leave the booth he was sitting in.

“He got pretty violent with officers,” Asmus said. “They had to go hands-on, taking him to the ground.”

The 46-year-old Gig Harbor, Wash., resident was arrested on charges of first-degree criminal trespass, disorderly conduct and fourth-degree assault. He has an extensive criminal history in several states, Asmus said.

Liberty Lake officers were the first to arrive at a call in the 26800 block of East Queen in Otis Orchards at 5:30 a.m. on April 12. The homeowners heard a noise and found a man they didn’t know passed out on their couch. The homeowner confronted the man and tried to keep him from leaving until police arrived, Asmus said. “The homeowner was able to tackle him and basically laid on top of him until officers arrived.”

The department also assisted sheriff’s deputies with a possible shots-fired call in the 10400 block of North McCoy just before 1 a.m. on April 12. The sounds turned out to be firecrackers set off during a party but there were several injuries from a brawl that had broken out, Asmus said.

Officers also made arrests for drug manufacturing, resisting arrest, minor in possession of alcohol, assault, driving under the influence and driving with a suspended license. A 45-year-old Liberty Lake woman was also arrested on Spokane County warrants for forgery, possession of a controlled substance, identity theft and money laundering.

Police issued seven citations for failure to show liability insurance, five for license and plates required, five for illegal use of studded tires, five for speeding and 20 for failure to wear a seat belt. Citations were also given for an animal violation, a log-book violation, a vehicle with an unlawful front/rear protrusion, failure to obey a traffic control device, failure to stop at an intersection and possession of marijuana.

Police also handled calls for damaged/vandalized property, harassment and a commercial vehicle inspection.