Briefs March 21, 2010

Possible gunshot in library under investigation; Idaho junkyard owner faces stolen vehicle charges

Possible gunshot in library under investigation

POCATELLO - Authorities in Pocatello are trying to find out if a Marshall Public Library official discharged a handgun inside the library.

Pocatello Police Chief J.R. Miller says he believes library Director Mike Doellman accidentally discharged a firearm in the building.

Doellman has a concealed weapons permit. He declined to answer questions from the Idaho State Journal and did not return a call from The Associated Press on Saturday.

Doellman has been on paid leave since Feb. 25, but the library board has declined to say why.

The library closed for two days in early February to repair what Doellman says was an electrical problem.

Library workers, citing the board's directives, have declined the newspaper's request for the names of those who did the repairs.

The city attorney's office has concluded that even if a gun was accidentally discharged, it doesn't constitute criminal conduct.

Idaho junkyard owner faces stolen vehicle charges

TWIN FALLS - A salvage yard owner in south-central Idaho has been charged with five counts of grand theft by possession of stolen property after police say they found stolen vehicles on the property.

Thirty-eight-year-old Christopher Butts of northwestern Jerome County was arraigned on the five counts Friday in 5th District Court.

Police say that on Thursday they found at least five stolen vehicles, four belonging to a Lincoln County resident who had been out of town for months.

- Associated Press