Crime strikes Post Falls parks

POST FALLS - A goose at Falls Park died from injuries sustained from a dart of a blow gun while a struck beaver was caught, treated and relocated.

According to police, a city parks employee saw a silver and orange dart in a goose and beaver on Saturday around 11:30 a.m. The worker was unsuccessful in capturing either animal that day.

On Monday, the goose was found dead in the park with the dart still in it. Fish and Game captured the beaver on Tuesday after it was found again, the dart was removed and the animal was relocated.

No other darts have been found at the park, nor have more animals been injured or spotted with darts, city employees said.

"When you make an animal suffer with injuries, that's just not right," said Dave Fair, the city's parks and recreation director. "We're also always concerned for the safety of our patrons, whether they get injured by picking up a dart or get shot by one.

"It's a dangerous item, and obviously it can do a lot of harm."

The city hasn't had problems involving blow darts in recent years. The suspect faces cruelty to animal charges. It is also against the law to fire the darts inside city limits.

No suspects have been identified. Police are reviewing surveillance from the park and nearby businesses for leads.

In another crime at a Post Falls park, a Coca-Cola vending machine was detached from near the concession stand near the beach of Q'emiln Park early Thursday, then dragged by what is believed to be a late '80s, two-tone, four-wheel drive Ford pickup with a canopy to a remote part of the park near the trailheads.

The machine, valued at $5,000, was destroyed and money was taken. The pickup entered the park at 1:27 a.m. and backed up to the machine. A carjack was left at the scene and a cable was cut to move the machine.

Those with information on either incident are urged to call Detective Mark Goodwin at 773-3517 or leave an anonymous tip at www.postfallspolice.com.