In brief: Dog finds theft suspect

A sheriff’s dog tracked a car theft suspect who fled a crash in Spokane Valley early Friday.

The K-9, Brax, located Justin C. Luce, 32, hiding near a tree about two blocks from the crash near 600 N. Walnut Road, which occurred after Luce allegedly fled a traffic stop near Walnut and Broadway Avenue about 3 a.m., according to the Spokane Valley Police Department.

Officer Juan Rodriguez located the crashed car unoccupied with a shaved key in the ignition. A sheriff’s helicopter and Brax tracked Luce to the tree.

Police found a backpack in the stolen vehicle that contained marijuana. Officers said it and several burglary tools found in the car belonged to Luce.

Luce is to be sentenced March 26 for a burglary in Kootenai County that’s connected to the theft of a high-end triathlon bicycle last summer. Luce also has a conviction in Spokane County for car theft that stemmed from a similar arrest in the Valley last April.

Salvation Army drive today

The Salvation Army of Spokane and Rosauers Supermarkets are having a food and toiletry drive for Sally’s House, an emergency foster care receiving center.

The drive will take place today from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the stores on Third Avenue in Browne’s Addition and 29th Avenue on the South Hill. A second drive will take place March 17 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the stores on 14th Avenue on the South Hill and the store on Francis Avenue.

Volunteers will man the donation bins, and the Salvation Army’s familiar red kettles will collect cash donations.

Foods needed are canned fruits and vegetables, crackers, ketchup, ranch dressing, cake and cookie mixes, and gift cards for perishables. Toiletries needed are girls’ and boys’ pull-ups, toothpaste, toothbrushes, baby shampoo, deodorant, soap, hairbrushes and combs.