In brief: Pertussis shot offered at low cost

Whooping cough vaccinations are now available at reduced prices at several clinics and pharmacies as health officials continue efforts to stop the spread of the disease.

The shots may cost up to $15.60; however, financial assistance is available if that amount is too high. The CHAS clinics in downtown Spokane and in Spokane Valley, along with the Native Health and Spokane Regional Health District clinics, are offering the vaccines, according to a news release issued by the health district.

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, has spread to epidemic levels in Washington, with 2,325 cases. There have been 66 cases in Spokane County.

For more information go to srhd.org/ whoopingcough.

Gym locker theft suspect arrested

Detectives have arrested a suspect in a series of thefts at fitness centers in Spokane and Kootenai counties.

James D. Tilley, 28, was arrested Tuesday on 16 felony charges related to gym locker break-ins and car prowlings at gyms across the region. Other agencies, including police in Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene, are investigating similar incidents.

Detective Mark Stewart said the thief would steal items from lockers, including car keys used to prowl vehicles in the parking lot. Court documents say the charges relate to break-ins at Valley Fitness Center, 14210 E. Sprague Ave., and Global Fitness, 9233 E. Montgomery Ave., as well as thefts at Whitworth University. Police identified Tilley as a suspect after an employee at Global Fitness saw the license plate of a car driven by the thief on May 17 and police traced it to the mother of Tilley’s girlfriend.