Region in brief: Robber holds up Spokane Valley bank

A Spokane Valley bank was robbed Thursday.

Employees at American West bank, 15606 E. Sprague Ave., told authorities the robber demanded money about 2:10 p.m. and fled with cash, said Sgt. Dave Reagan, of the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.

The robber, who had shaggy blond hair, did not indicate he had a weapon. Witnesses think he drove away in a black or purple Suzuki Vitara with the personalized plate PC. The man was about 5 foot 8 and wore a blue coat and blue jeans, witnesses said. Anyone with information can call Crime Check at (509) 456-2233.

Meghann M. Cuniff

Authorities identify man who died in jail

The inmate found dead Wednesday at the Spokane County Jail was Fredrick James Juhnke, 59, according to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.

Corrections officers knocked on Juhnke’s cell door about 5 p.m., then found him dead after no response, Sgt. Dave Reagan said. He appeared to have died of natural causes, Reagan said. Juhnke was booked into jail Oct. 18 on assault charges.

Meghann M. Cuniff

Boy Scouts to collect food bags Saturday

Scouts will be out in force Saturday morning collecting bags of food as part of the annual Scouting for Food drive.

About 300,000 bags were distributed throughout the Inland Northwest last weekend.

Recipients are asked to fill the sacks with nonperishable food or Scouting-related items such as gently used uniforms, according to a news release. The economic downturn has increased the need for both.

The Scouts hope to collect 200,000 pounds of food for distribution to 29 community food banks. Scouts request that filled bags be set out by 9 a.m. Saturday.

From staff reports