Region in brief: Police say woman was drunk when she hit bus

A motorist authorities believe was drunk slammed into a school bus filled with children Wednesday, but no one was injured, according to the Idaho State Police.

Julie Witlicki, 38, was arrested after her 1995 Volkswagen Jetta crossed the centerline on U.S. Highway 95 near Worley and hit a school bus driven by Vernie Johnson, 65, of Tensed. Troopers said alcohol is believed to be a factor.

Mike Prager

Robbery suspect tacks on eluding charge

A man charged with robbing two pharmacies is now accused of trying to flee from Spokane police before his arrest.

Aaron M. Weyrauch, 27, appeared in Spokane County Superior Court via video Wednesday, two months after a police chase ended in his arrest. Weyrauch faces a charge of attempting to elude police along with two counts of second-degree robbery in connection with OxyContin heists Aug. 24 at the Shopko at 4515 S. Regal St. and Sept. 5 at the Rite Aid across the street, 4514 S. Regal St.

Police stopped Weyrauch on Sept. 15 near Third Avenue and Crestline Street, but he sped away and abandoned his 2005 Volvo near 33rd Avenue and Grand Boulevard, according to court documents. He was found hiding in the back of another car and arrested.

Meghann M. Cuniff

Police on domestic call arrest man, kill pit bull

Spokane County sheriff’s deputies shot and killed a pit bull early Wednesday while investigating a domestic violence complaint at a home on Silver Lake Road.

Tyson J. Schultz, 32, was taken into custody on charges of domestic violence, making threats to kill, unlawful imprisonment and malicious mischief.

The Sheriff’s Office received a call at 2:26 a.m. from Schultz’s wife, who said he was intoxicated and threatening to kill her. She and two other adults fled the house. Two girls, ages 2 and 3, remained inside.

According to Detective David Thornburg, Schultz called one of the adults and threatened to kill the children and three pit bulls in the house unless his wife returned. Schultz also made threats to release the dogs on deputies if they entered the house, Thornburg said.

When deputies entered, one of the dogs attacked. It was stunned with a Taser. When it continued attacking, a deputy shot the dog with a .45-caliber sidearm. The pit bull attacked again and was shot with a 12-gauge shotgun.

The children were found unharmed and sleeping, Thornburg said.

Mike Prager