Date: 03/07/2013 03:59 AM
OR–1st NewsMinute/335
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
BEND, Ore. (AP) – A string of seven suspicious fires early yesterday in Bend damaged an historic church and kept fire crews so busy that additional firefighters were called in from across central Oregon. No one was injured. Police Lt. Chris Carney tells KTVZ-TV that the seven fires in a three- to four-block area hit Trinity Episcopal Church, an adjacent building, two detached garages, two vehicles and damaged a woodpile. Carney says it’s too early to know the cause.
ST. HELENS, Ore. (AP) – A fire chief in St. Helens says 30 customers at a grocery store reported breathing difficulties, dizziness and other symptoms thanks to a foul odor. Columbia River Fire and Rescue Chief Jay Tappan says the store was temporarily closed as officials looked for the cause of the odor, described as smelling like gas or ammonia. The Oregonian reports one man was taken to a hospital as a precaution yesterday afternoon. Most customers said they felt better once they got outside.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – A federal judge has affirmed the release of a Portland city employee charged with aiding terrorism, pending the man’s trial. Reaz Qadir Khan, a 48-year-old employee of the city’s wastewater department, is accused of aiding a 2009 suicide bombing at the headquarters of Pakistan’s intelligence agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan Knight says Khan is a flight risk. But a federal magistrate ruled Wednesday that Khan would be released today if basic, preliminary conditions were met.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – A grand jury has found no criminal wrongdoing by Portland police in the Feb. 17 fatal shooting of a federal fugitive. Merle Hatch was armed with a black telephone receiver handle that he had broken to simulate a handgun. Police responded to Portland Adventist Medical Center after reports of a man threatening staff and security guards with a gun. A witness’ cell phone video showed Hatch displaying the black handle, yelling, “I’m coming to you then, pig!” and then running toward police.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.