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Officials say looting reports were investigated and found not credible; police, deputies and Guard are protecting neighborhoods
Summary
Police said they investigated reports of looting during evacuations and found no credible evidence; they said officers, deputies and National Guard personnel are deployed to protect properties while neighborhoods remain evacuated and warned residents to beware of scam contractors during recovery.
Police Chief Kevin Hall said his department investigated reports of looting and, for the city, "we found no credibility to any of those" after looking into each report. He said officers and deputies patrolled neighborhoods and that National Guard members are assisting to safeguard property while residents remain evacuated.
Chief Hall also provided evacuation statistics for the city: "about 60,000 individuals were evacuated in that amount of time" from Level 3 areas that include more than 14,000 structures. Officials acknowledged choke points contributed to traffic congestion and said they will continue to review evacuation logistics.
County Commissioner Josh Kearns warned evacuees about opportunistic contractors during recovery and encouraged people to research vendors and use the established Spokane Regional long-term recovery group for assistance when the recovery phase begins.
