In brief: Hammer-attack trial delayed

A judge has suspended the criminal case against a Bayview man accused of attacking four neighbors with a hammer, killing one, because a psychologist has determined he’s unfit to stand trial.  

 The ruling last week is in the case of Larry Cragun, 31, who is charged with first-degree murder in the Dec. 19 death of Patricia Heath, 43.  

Cragun has been ordered into the custody of the Idaho Department of Correction for care and treatment. First District Judge Benjamin Simpson also ordered a progress report in 90 days.  

Cragun is accused of bursting into his neighbors’ trailer home and attacking them with a hammer and knife. He pleaded not guilty.   

The attack followed weeks of problems between the neighbors, including bizarre claims by the suspect that authorities say were unfounded, including an allegation that Heath’s son was “placing pubic hair in Cragun’s food.”

Cragun also posted fliers suggesting there was an umbrella submerged in Lake Pend Oreille that, along with GPS tracking satellites, allowed the government to read people’s minds.  

Officers hosting child safety event

The Spokane Police Department and Spokane County Sheriff’s Office are co-hosting an event Wednesday to raise awareness about child safety.

The “Take 25” national campaign calls for parents, guardians and educators to take 25 minutes to talk to their children about safety.

Law enforcement officials will offer tips, conversation starters and safety-oriented activities Wednesday at the Spokane Valley Mall from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The emphasis will be on sexually explicit text messages, or sexting.

Take 25 was started by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children in honor of National Missing Children’s Day, which is Wednesday.