Driver of Pontiac cleared in North Spokane fatality

Spokane County sheriff’s detectives found the Pontiac and driver they were seeking in relation to a recent death, but found no evidence that the car had hit anyone. Michael Edwin Dressel, 48, was found dead on the sidewalk near West Eddy Avenue and North Weipert Drive in north Spokane around 5:30 a.m. Tuesday. A sheriff’s office news release said detectives were looking for an “older gray Pontiac type car” that might have been hit Dressel. The driver of the car in question contacted detectives, who inspected the car and interviewed the driver but found no evidence of impact. An autopsy was done but the cause of death is still under investigation. Authorities said earlier they believe Dressel may have been hit by a car, but now are saying it has not been determined the victim was hit by a car. They said his injuries also could have come from “multiple falls” or a “low impact strike(s).” “He had injuries. We’re not sure how those injuries came about,” said Deputy Mark Gregory, a spokesman. “It could have been caused by a vehicle. It could have been caused by impact from a person. All we know is he had injuries and we’re trying to determine how those injuries occurred.” Detectives are following up on statements from witnesses who said they might have seen the victim staggering around and falling down in roadways throughout the day and evening. The sheriff is asking anyone who was driving in that area Monday night or early Tuesday and noticed a man in dark clothing walking around to call Crime Check at (509) 456-2233.