Hit-and-run victim in critical condition

A 22-year-old Spokane Valley man was reported in critical condition Monday, and another man was taken into custody after a hit-and-run Sunday night in Spokane Valley.

The injured man was struck from behind while walking with a companion in the 10100 block of East Mission Avenue and was being treated for a severe head injury at a Spokane hospital, said Sgt. Dave Reagan, a spokesman for the Spokane Valley Police Department.

The victim’s name was not released.

He was walking with a friend eastbound on the shoulder of Mission when he was struck.

“The impact ripped the victim from his shoes and tossed him an estimated 20 to 30 feet,” Reagan said in a news release.

Police arrested Gregory E. Sutton, 27, after finding him and a 1994 Chevrolet Blazer believed to be involved in the incident at an apartment complex in the 11000 block of East Augusta Avenue. Sutton was arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run, Reagan said.

Investigators suspect Sutton, on community supervision from the state Department of Corrections, had been consuming alcohol. Also, his driver’s license had been suspended, Reagan said.

Adams County

Sheriff seeks assistance tracking down suspects

Three young men are being sought for questioning in Adams County in connection with a homicide Wednesday in Othello.

Ismael Garcia, 19, of Warden, died at Othello Community Hospital after a fight that escalated into gunfire at Taggares Park about 6:20 p.m.

The fight involved two small groups of people.

Sheriff Douglas Barger said in a press release Monday that authorities are looking for three people: Raul Marmolejo, 19, of Royal City, Wash.; Fernando Montoya, 19, of Othello; and Juan Carlos Ramos, 21, of Othello.

Anyone who might know any of the men’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office or Detective Dale Wagner, and is advised to not approach the men. Call (509) 488-2061 or (509) 855-2505.

Republic, Wash.

Water system funding designated for projects

The city of Republic stands to get $3.7 million in federal money for water system work, part of the $38 million in economic stimulus money that’s being steered into drinking water systems across the state.

The state is recommending 27 projects in 16 counties for federal money. Among them:

•Connecting the failing Pine Grove water system in Ferry County to the city of Republic’s water system: $3.7 million.

•Water tank and water treatment plant work in Metaline: $1.6 million.

•Covering a Seattle city reservoir, for cleaner water and to save millions of gallons in evaporation: $6 million.

•Upgrading Anacortes’ water treatment plant: $6 million.

Gov. Chris Gregoire said the state call for projects drew a wish list of nearly 350 applications totaling more than $400 million.

The $38 million from the feds is less than needed but gives a boost to projects held up because of a lack of funding, said Gregg Gunenfelder, assistant secretary of the state Department of Health.

Officials are accepting public comment on the list for the next two weeks, with a final list due April 7.

From staff reports