UPDATED PRESS RELEASE FROM THE SPOKANE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE: The driver of the Pontiac in question has contacted Spokane County
Sheriff's Major Crimes detectives and has been cooperative. Detectives
inspected the vehicle and interviewed the driver and
no evidence of an
impact with this vehicle was discovered.
For clarification, it has not been determined with certainty the victim was
hit by a vehicle but detectives continue to investigate this possibility
although the injuries sustained may also have been from multiple falls or a low
impact strike(s).
Detectives continue to following up on several witnesses statements where
they may have seen the victim staggering around and falling down in the roadways
throughout the day and evening.
If anyone has information about this incident or if you were driving in the
immediate area of Country Homes Blvd near the North Division "Y" from 10:00 p.m.
on February 18th through 5:30 a.m. on February 19th and observed a male in dark
clothing stumbling around, you are asked to call Crime Check at
509-456-2233.
This is an active, on-going investigation and the exact cause and manner of
death in this case has not yet been determined.
PREVIOUS STORY:
KHQ.COM - The Medical Examiner's Office completed the autopsy of the victim earlier in the day, and identified him as 48-year-old Michael Edwin Dressel.
UPDATED PRESS RELEASE FROM THE SPOKANE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE:
Spokane County Major Crimes and Traffic Unit detectives cleared the scene in the area of the 8600 block of North Weipert Drive around 3:00 p.m. this afternoon.
At this time, it appears the victim may have been struck by a vehicle. From canvassing the area, detectives learned the male appeared to be intoxicated and walking around in the area before he died.
Please call Crime Check at 509-456-2233 if you were driving in the immediate area or on Country Homes Blvd near the "Y" from 10:00 p.m. last night through 5:30 a.m. this morning and noticed a male in dark clothing stumbling around the area.
In addition, an older gray Pontiac type car/vehicle was seen in the area on Country Homes Blvd that might be involved. Anyone with information about a vehicle matching this description with fresh front end damage and/or possible windshield damage is asked to call Crime Check at 509-456-2233
Previous Coverage:
UPDATE: The man found dead has been identified as 48-year-old Michael Edwin Dressel, according to the Spokane Medical Examiner's Office. The cause of death is still pending.
UPDATED PRESS RELEASE FROM THE SPOKANE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE: On Tuesday morning, February 19th at 05:40 a.m., Spokane County Sheriff's deputies responded to the area of 8600 block of North Weipert Drive for a report of a male lying in a yard who was not breathing.
Medical personnel arrived and it was determined the male was deceased. The scene was secured by arriving deputies and the Spokane County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit was called out. Detectives are treating this as a homicide investigation at this time.
They are also looking into the possibility this incident may be traffic related as calls were received earlier in the evening reporting a male wandering around on the roadway in the area. At that time, deputies checked the area and were unable to locate the male; detectives are not sure if the two incidents are related.
Officials at Evergreen Elementary were notified due to the location of the incident which does not appear to be related to the school. Investigators do not believe the incident posses any danger to the students or staff.
The investigation is on-going and the Medical Examiner's Office will release the identity of the victim after an autopsy is completed.
The public is asked to call Crime Check at 509-456-2233 if they have any information about these incidents or this on-going investigation.
UPDATE: Authorities tell KHQ that a male body was found. Currently no suspects are being sought. School is still on for Evergreen Elementary at this point. A newspaper carrier found the body. The Spokane County Sheriff's Department says the cause of death did not look "natural." Snow is a problem for investigators. There is a blanket over the evidence so the snow doesn't damage it.
We're still gathering information for you. Please continue to check back for the very latest. You can also get the very latest breaking details on our Facebook wall and Twitter news feed.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
SPOKANE, Wash. - Roads are blocked off in north Spokane near Evergreen Elementary. Authorities tell us a body has been discovered in that area. Stay with KHQ Local News for the very latest on this breaking news story.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and KHQ. All Rights Reserved. For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
