2 stabbings leave men with minor injuries

Spokane police are investigating two stabbings that left victims with minor injuries and officers with little information on suspects. One occurred about 1 a.m. outside the Comfort Inn, 923 E. 3rd Ave., after the victim reportedly bragged “about how much money and dope he had in his car” and was assaulted by two men, said Officer Jennifer DeRuwe, spokeswoman for the Spokane Police Department. DeRuwe said the victim was not seriously injured and that major crimes detectives are trying to track down the two assailants. Detectives have also obtained a search warrant for the victim’s car, she said. The other stabbing occurred in near North Market Street and East Queen Avenue about midnight. Police say a man had a letter opener protruding from his arm and gave confusing descriptions of what happened. “Nothing was making sense,” DeRuwe said. DeRuwe said the man appears to have mental illness issues, and detectives are trying to determine if the wound was self-inflicted or if an assailant is on the loose. Anyone with information on either incident can call Crime Check at (509) 456-2233.