In brief: Man found dead in Taco Bell cooler

A man was found dead inside a walk-in cooler at a Spokane Taco Bell on Monday, police said Tuesday.

Richard Thomas, 42, apparently died after locking himself in the cooler at the restaurant at North Monroe Street and West Boone Avenue, but he does not appear to have died as a result of exposure and there were no signs of violence, Spokane police said.

Employees called police about 8 p.m. and said a man walked into the restaurant and locked himself in the cooler, which is used to store food. Police removed the cooler’s door and found Thomas dead. They don’t know how Thomas barricaded the cooler, said Officer Jennifer DeRuwe.

“He walked straight in past employees and went in the cooler,” DeRuwe said. “When we got there, he was dead.”

DeRuwe didn’t know how long Thomas had been in the cooler before employees called police. It took officers about 15 minutes to get the cooler door off, she said.

An autopsy is expected today.

Meghann M. Cuniff

Clean Air Agency extends burn ban

The Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency will continue a burn ban today due to stagnant air over the region resulting in high concentrations of pollutants.

The stage 2, condition “red” ban restricts use of all wood-burning devices, including wood and pellet stoves, fireplaces and fireplace inserts for at least 24 hours, according to the agency.

The ban applies to all residences and businesses in the Smoke Control Zone. Outdoor burning is also banned in Spokane County.

It will remain in effect until weather conditions warrant its removal. A stronger weather system, which should help clear the air, is forecast for Thursday, the agency said.

Some exemptions may be granted by Spokane Clean Air in cases where there is only one heat source.

“The stagnant weather we’ve been experiencing has allowed the buildup of fine particle levels, resulting in poor air quality,” said Lisa Woodard, a Spokane Clean Air spokeswoman. “Breathing elevated levels of fine particle pollution affects many individuals in our community, including those suffering from respiratory illnesses, as well as the young and the elderly.”

For more information, including a map of the Smoke Control Zone, visit www.spokanecleanair.org or call (509) 477-4727.

Chelsea Bannach