Cheney blotter

CHENEY – Last month’s big snowstorms brought a big overtime bill to the Cheney Police Department, with officers racking up more than $4,000 and logging 106.5 overtime hours while helping residents dig out.

Meanwhile, thefts in Cheney were on the rise in February compared to January, according to the Police Department’s latest monthly report.

Cmdr. Rick Campbell said the department paid $4,153.60 in overtime for Feburary, mostly because of the snow, some training and one officer on medical leave. The typical monthly overtime bill is $1,200 to $1,400, he said.

There were 13 reports of theft in February, four more than in January but 12 fewer than in February 2007, according to the report. Police reported five criminal alcohol offenses in February, down by 12 compared with January and six fewer than in February 2007. For the year as a whole, however, alcohol arrests have risen by 41.7 percent. Drug arrests have decreased by 33.3 percent. Traffic citations were down to only 21, compared with 59 in January.

“There’s a lot of good work being done in the detective’s office right now,” Campbell said, referring to Detective Matt Pumphrey. “He’s been doing a real good job.”

Pumphrey filed 12 cases during February, compared with four in January. There were 52 active open cases in Cheney by the end of February.

Dispatchers answered 3,900 calls, up 400 from February 2007.

From March 7 to March 14, officers responded to a number of calls, including:

“March 14: A vehicle was reported stolen.

A mental health patient was transferred involuntarily to Sacred Heart Medical Center.

There was a report of malicious mischief.

“March 13: Officers made a Child Protective Service referral, which turned out to be a follow-up on a case from January. Another CPS referral that day is still pending.

“March 12: Officers responded to a domestic violence call.

A woman reported missing was found in Spokane.

Sandra M. Werner, 41, was arrested on suspicion of forgery at the Cheney Credit Union.

A 14-year-old boy was arrested at Cheney High School for assault.

“March 11: A 13-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting at Mitchell’s.

Randel B. Smith, 53, was arrested for driving with a suspended license and on suspicion of being a felon with a firearm.

Officers responded to a burglary in the storeroom of an apartment complex on West First Street.

“March 9: Jayson M. McConnell, 21, was arrested after an alleged fourth-degree assault at Wild Bill’s.

“March 8: Ellinore A. Sherwin, 19, was arrested for allegedly being a minor in possession of alcohol.

“March 7: Morgan L. Webb, 18, was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting.

Joshua A. Marcus, 20, was arrested on suspicion of being a minor in possession of alcohol.