In brief: FBI seeks clues on CdA rapist

The FBI has joined the North Idaho Violent Crimes Task Force in investigating two sexual assaults in the Coeur d’Alene area in the past week.

Members of the FBI and local law enforcement are seeking information leading to an arrest.

The attacker is described as a white male, approximately 6-foot-2, with short brown hair, rough hands and pale skin. He may have been wearing a blue-and-white shirt, khaki shorts and white athletic shoes.

Two women reported being sexually assaulted last weekend in Coeur d’Alene. Another woman reported a male intruder who tried to grope her.

Anyone with information is asked to call (208) 665-1471. Callers will remain anonymous, and reward money may be offered.

Sara Leaming

Two-car crash injures teenager

A teenage boy was injured Tuesday in a two-vehicle crash at Flora Road and Trent Avenue in the Spokane Valley.

A 16-year-old Otis Orchards boy was driving a 1968 Volkswagen southbound on Flora Road about 4:30 p.m., when he failed to yield to a car westbound on Trent, the Washington State Patrol reported.

The teen’s vehicle struck the side of a westbound 1998 Chevrolet pickup driven by Rommel B. Calderon, 32.

The 16-year-old was transported to Deaconess Medical Center for minor injuries, WSP said. Calderon was not injured, WSP said. The boy was cited for failure to yield.

Sara Leaming

Suspicious device found at church

The Spokane County Explosives Disposal Unit removed a suspicious device from a northeast Spokane neighborhood Tuesday.

Spokane police were called to the area near Wellesley Avenue and Haven Street, after a person found what looked like a pipe bomb in a plastic bag in an alley behind Victory Outreach Church, 3011 E. Wellesley Ave.

The bomb unit was called in to investigate, and, using a robot, removed the device from the area about 5:30 p.m.

It was not known whether the device was explosive.

Officers said the device may have been taken to police property for additional investigation.

Sara Leaming