Police seek pickup in Coulee Dam killing
Authorities are searching for a vehicle belonging to a man found dead in his Coulee Dam, Wash., home.
Jesus Garcia-Hernandez, 38, was found slain just before midnight May 4, the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release Sunday. Officers were sent to the residence after an anonymous caller reported a possible killing there.
It appeared that someone had broken into Hernandez’s residence and attacked him, deputies said. Authorities are not releasing the cause of death, except to say that it was by homicidal violence. Hernandez had been living alone.
Hernandez’s missing vehicle is a red 1984 Ford F250 pickup with a gray bed, Washington license plate A65190S, deputies said. Anyone who sees the vehicle is asked not to approach it but to call local authorities or the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office at (800) 572-6604.
Also investigating the case are the Coulee Dam Police Department and detectives from the Colville Tribal Police Department.
– Richard Miller
Body in river identified
A woman found dead in the Columbia River at Pateros, Wash., has been identified as Shelley L. Elkins, 50, of Omak, the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release Sunday.
Elkins was found about 12:30 p.m. May 5 floating near a dock. She had been missing since April 19 when she walked away from Mid-Valley Hospital in Omak. When found she was wearing the clothes she was reported missing in and her hospital identification bracelet, deputies said.
It does not appear that foul play was involved, deputies said, but an autopsy has been ordered by the Okanogan County Prosecutor’s Office.
– Richard Miller
Coeur d’Alene
Skaters to benefit drug education
D.A.R.E. and the Kootenai County Substance Abuse Council will hold a fundraiser Tuesday night at the Skate Plaza in Coeur d’Alene.
For $6, skaters can get quad skate rentals and 2 ½ hours of skating. In-line skates will rent for a special rate of $2.10.
Proceeds go toward buying educational material and D.A.R.E. graduation T-shirts.
“They’re coming down, not only knowing they’re going to get skating for their money, but they’re benefiting a program that helps kids,” said Skate Plaza manager John King.
Skate night goes from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
– Rasha Madkour
Twin Falls, Idaho
BLM equipment stolen from vehicles
Thieves who broke into federal Bureau of Land Management vehicles last week got away with tens of thousands of dollars worth of weapons and other equipment.
The Twin Falls Police Department is seeking information on the people who stole a Colt AR-15 assault rifle, two four-wheeler ATVs, night vision goggles and other equipment including clothing, helmets and one Nikon Cool Pix digital camera.
Neither the law enforcement department nor the federal agency said if they have any suspects.
No arrests have been made.
The BLM is offering a $1,000 reward to anyone who provides information leading to an arrest and conviction.
The theft occurred on Wednesday.
– Associated Press