In brief: Blaze leaves duplex damaged

Thu., Feb. 11, 2010

From Staff Reports

A northeast Spokane duplex was severely damaged by fire early Wednesday morning.

Firefighters were called to a two-story side-by-side duplex at 903 E. Rich about 12:20 a.m. by a report of heavy smoke coming from the building.

Crews located the fire in the basement of the duplex and found the blaze was beginning to spread to the upper floors, fire officials said. Firefighters on the first floor began tearing down the walls and quickly knocked the fire down.

The unit was deemed inhabitable because of heavy smoke and fire damage that weakened structural supports, fire officials said. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Altercation may be tied to earlier fight

Resentments stemming from a fight last week may have sparked a melee at a residence in northeast Spokane early Wednesday where one man suffered a knife wound in his back, police said.

The stabbing victim was taken to a hospital for treatment of the non-life-threatening wound while another victim suffered an injury from a hammer but did not go to a hospital, police said.

Shortly after the incident about 2 a.m., police arrested Preston Tensley, 39, and booked him into Spokane County Jail on one count of first-degree burglary in connection with a break-in that preceded the fight, police said.

The incident in the 900 block of East Wabash Avenue occurred when six to eight people pushed their way into a house, triggering the fight. Officers said it apparently was related to another fight Friday night.

Officers are still seeking other people involved in the incident and would like to interview them. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Check at (509) 456-2233.

Burglary probe leads to meth lab

Whitman County sheriff’s deputies working on a burglary investigation uncovered an operating methamphetamine lab in the Farmington area this week.

Monte D. Estes, 53, was arrested and booked into Whitman County Jail before being released without bond on Tuesday.

He is facing charges of possession of stolen property and manufacturing methamphetamine, said Undersheriff Ronald A. Rockness.

Investigators served three search warrants late Monday and early Tuesday following burglaries in northern Whitman County. Suspects have been identified from Whitman County as well as from outside the county, and investigators have recently gained cooperation from several individuals connected with the operation, according to a press release.

The Washington State Patrol and Department of Ecology helped with processing and clearing the meth lab.

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