Dealer sign frustrates Spokane Valley police

A lingering protest by Drive Auto and Truck Sales in Spokane Valley is frustrating Spokane Valley police Chief Rick VanLeuven, whose department found misstatements in a dealership stolen-property complaint.

In September, Drive Auto reported the theft of tires, wheels and a stereo from a truck on the lot. But, according to a Police Department news release, a witness who saw a television news report said the value of the stolen items had been overstated, and that the stereo was already gone when she and her husband examined the truck before the theft.

Under questioning, the release says, Drive Auto owner Andrew Fisk conceded the manager had mistakenly described the truck’s condition.

Fisk told a detective he was “looking for attention” and that a sign on the truck asking “Where are the Police?” and the news report had the desired effect.

VanLeuven said the sign remained on the truck at least through last weekend.

“It was simply to gain attention,” he said. “Our officers actively look for criminal activity throughout their shifts, and Drive Auto gets no less attention than any other business in our community.”

Fisk did not return a call seeking a response.