Liberty Lake Blotter: Crackdown coming on golf cart scofflaws

July 05--A surge in complaints has prompted the Liberty Lake Police Department to crack down on golf cart users who are breaking the law.

"We've had so many complaints about golf carts in general, running rampant in the city," said Police Chief Brian Asmus.

In Liberty Lake golf carts can be used on the streets, sidewalks and asphalt paths, said Asmus. The rule broken most frequently is the one that requires golf cart drivers to be over the age of 16 and either be licensed or have attended a driver's training program.

Asmus said he's seen drivers as young as 10. Two days ago he stopped a golf cart driven by a 10-year-old boy who had another 10-year-old boy and several younger children as passengers. The child said his parents had told him to use the cart to take his younger siblings to the park.

Asmus said he's trying to avoid a repeat of last year, when a golf cart carrying a group of young children flipped in Rocky Hill Park, rolling on top of its passengers.

In the last week officers have issued two citations for underage operation of a golf cart. "We're trying to make an impact so word gets out," Asmus said.

Calls from June 23-30:

June 23: An anonymous person reported that several juveniles had stolen more than $300 worth of alcohol from a business in the 1200 block of North Liberty Lake Road the night before. The case is under investigation.

June 25: A resident reported a couple in the 24000 block of East Hawkstone Loop who appeared to be loading wiring into a van. No one was located when officers arrived.

June 26: A resident in the 1400 block of North Murray Lane reported nearly $10,000 in jewelry missing. The resident told police that his home was for sale and the items may have been taking during one of 34 showings.

June 27: A woman called police to report that she had found her stolen car in a Wal-Mart parking lot. The car and several other items, including a flat screen television, had been stolen from her home while she was out of town. An officer noticed that her son, who was with her, was texting someone. The texts indicated that the son told a friend to take the items. The television was found at a local pawn shop.

Arrests: Officers made two arrests for driving with a suspended license, one for driving under the influence and one for assault and malicious mischief.

Citations: Police handed out four citations for failure to show proof of liability insurance and two for minor in possession/consumption of alcohol. Citations were also given for expired vehicle registration, misuse of license or identification, failure to yield while entering road from driveway, and speeding.

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