In brief: Possible teacher sex crime investigated
The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office is investigating whether a sex crime was committed when a student teacher reportedly had a relationship with a 17-year-old high school girl.
The Eastern Washington University graduate student was teaching at Mt. Spokane High School where the girl is a student, according to university and Mead School District officials. Rob Humphrey was dismissed from his internship as soon as the relationship and possible inappropriate contact was reported.
Privacy laws prevent EWU officials from commenting on Humphrey’s status other than confirming he is enrolled at the university, said EWU spokesman Dave Meany. But generally, in cases where a student faces some type of police investigation or charges, the university has the option of placing the student on interim suspension.
Teen arrested, accused of officer assault
An 18-year-old man punched a school resource officer who confronted him for trespassing at North Central High School on Wednesday, police say.
Officer Paul Corrick said he recognized Henry Ivory Jones as a former student when he saw him inside the school at 1600 N. Howard St., about 2:25 p.m.
He said he was walking him out of the school when Jones swore at him, so Corrick told him he was under arrest for disorderly conduct. Jones reportedly punched Corrick in the face and ran from the school.
A witness said Jones swore at Corrick and said that he was having a good day and not to ruin it before he punched him. Corrick found Jones outside the YMCA on Monroe Street and arrested him on suspicion of third-degree assault, first-degree criminal trespass and resisting arrest.
Shots fired at Spokane Valley bar
A man who scuffled with employees at a Spokane Valley bar fired a gun in the bar’s parking lot late Wednesday, police said.
Bret A. Nemitz, 29, finished a drink at Boomers Classic Rock Bar, 18209 E. Appleway Ave., just as the bar was closing. The owner told Spokane County sheriff’s deputies that they asked him to leave after he began harassing two customers who were playing pool and Nemitz grabbed the owner by the shirt and neck.
The owner’s father helped control Nemitz, but the owner said he had an uneasy feeling as Nemitz left.
A short time later, the owner saw Nemitz drive a vehicle into the parking lot and noticed a shiny object in his hand. The owner told his father to crouch down just before a gunshot rang out, according to a news release.
Deputies located Nemitz’s car at a home near the bar and found Nemitz standing in the backyard. He was booked into jail on two counts of drive-by shooting.
Bicyclist hit by truck, hospitalized
LEWISTON – Police say a bicyclist hit by a pickup truck in North Idaho was being treated for serious injuries at a Lewiston hospital.
The Lewiston Tribune reports 32-year-old Shane V. Black, of Coeur d’Alene, was struck Tuesday while attempting to cross a street in Lewiston.
Police Capt. Roger Lanier said the accident happened after a vehicle stopped to allow Black to cross the road. Police say Black was struck by a small pickup that had entered the adjacent turn lane.
Dallas Owens, of Clarkston, was driving the vehicle that hit Black and told police that he didn’t see Black until it was too late to stop. Black was in serious condition late Wednesday at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston.
Faith-healing couple take plea deal
OKANOGAN, Wash. – A north-central Washington couple on Thursday agreed to accept a plea deal that spares them jail time but holds them responsible for their teenage son’s death after they failed to call a doctor.
A jury acquitted JaLea and Greg Swezey, of Carlton, of second-degree murder charges for failing to call a doctor or ambulance before their son Zachery died of a ruptured appendix in 2009. However, they still faced manslaughter charges.
JaLea Swezey pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal mistreatment and received a suspended sentence. Greg Swezey was charged with second-degree criminal mistreatment and his case was continued for two years.
That charge will be reduced to third-degree criminal mistreatment if he commits no felonies in the next two years, and he also would receive a suspended sentence.
The Swezeys are members of the Church of the First Born, which believes in faith healing.
In developing a plea deal, Okanogan County Prosecutor Karl Sloan said he wanted to ensure protection for the couple’s 4-year-old daughter. Under the deal, they agreed to contact Child Protective Services if a child under their care is ill or injured.
Tar sands documentary to be shown
A 90-minute documentary on tar sands development in Fort McMurray, Alberta, and its effect will be shown at 3 p.m. Sunday at Pilgrim’s Market, 1316 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene. Admission is by donation.
“Tipping Point: The Age of the Oil Sands” explores the impact of tar sands development along the Athabasca River on wetlands, boreal forests and the health of downstream populations. Before and after the showing, there will be a discussion about regional tar sands transportation projects and megaloads of processing equipment for ExxonMobil/Imperial Oil moving through the area.
People who want to get involved in protesting the shipments can attend a workshop today and Saturday in Spokane. More information is available at: http://wildidahorisingtide.org/2012/05/26/ northwest-extraction-resistance-workshop/.