In brief: Bicyclist spots man’s body

The body of a man was discovered Saturday in a makeshift homeless camp in west central Spokane.

Detectives with the Spokane police Major Crimes Unit were called to the 1400 block of Summit Boulevard about 2 p.m., after a man riding his bicycle found the body.

The body, found in a camp about 100 feet down the hill to the west, was partially visible from the sidewalk, police said.

According to Lt. Dave McGovern of Major Crimes, the body may be that of a transient.

“It’s been there a couple of months, so it’s badly decomposed,” McGovern said. The body was found in a sleeping bag, he said.

The death doesn’t appear to be a homicide. A forensics team was investigating.

Sara Leaming

Man sought in Pizza Hut heist

Spokane police are searching for a man who robbed a northwest Spokane pizza restaurant at gunpoint early Saturday morning.

The robber entered the Pizza Hut at 1827 W. Northwest Blvd. about 1:20 a.m., displayed what looked like a handgun, and demanded money, police said.

The man was described as white, 6 feet 1 inch to 6 feet 3 inches tall, with a skinny build.

He was wearing a dark gray hooded sweatshirt and covered his face with his hands during the robbery.

Police searched the area with a K-9 but did not locate a suspect.

Sara Leaming

EPA names new regional chief

Dennis McLerran is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new Region 10 administrator.

McLerran is the former executive director of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. In his new position, he will oversee EPA programs in Washington, Idaho, Alaska and Oregon, including the cleanup of mining waste in the Coeur d’Alene River basin.

McLerran was appointed to the EPA post by the Obama administration. A graduate of Seattle University Law School, he worked to reduce emissions at the ports of Seattle, Tacoma and Vancouver during his stint at the clean air agency.

Staff reports

Free skating offered Monday

Caught the skating bug? Strap on the blades Monday and hit the ice at Riverfront Park for free.

The Lilac City, Spokane and Inland Northwest figure skating clubs, in conjunction with U.S. Figure Skating and Group Health, are sponsoring SkateFest, with free skating from 9 to 11 a.m.

Those interested in free skating lessons can arrive at 8:30 a.m. to sign up.

In addition to the lesson, the event includes free skate rentals during this session only and prize giveaways.

Elite skaters and representatives of local clubs and USFSA will be on hand as well. Space is limited.

Staff reports