Body identified as missing man

The body of a man found Friday in the Pend Oreille River has been identified as Patrick C. Opferman, who had been missing since December.

Opferman, 51, was last seen around Nov. 30, 2008, at the Long Bridge Grill near Sandpoint, according to the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office.

He’s believed to have begun walking across the bridge and fallen over the railing, the Sheriff’s Office said in a press release.

Investigators say they found no signs of foul play.

Anyone with information about Opferman is asked to call Detective Sgt. Phyllis Jay at (208) 263-8417, ext. 3056.

Information sought on robbery suspect

An alleged armed robber failed to appear in court earlier this month, and Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information that leads to his capture.

Joseph E. Whipple, 21, and a 17-year-old boy were each due in Spokane County Superior Court on May 20 on charges of first-degree robbery for an alleged incident in downtown Spokane May 2, according to court papers.

Whipple didn’t show, according to Crime Stoppers.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.

Tipsters also can submit information on the Internet at www.crimestoppers inlandnorthwest.org.

Tipsters can remain anonymous.