Busy weekend for police

POLSON — A well-orchestrated heist of Wal-Mart resulted in more than $3,000 of merchandise stolen from the retailer during another busy summer weekend, Polson Police Chief Doug Chase said.

The “significant” theft, which occurred around 5 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, included four laptops, eight portable DVD players and two DVD players with monitors. Chase said multiple perpetrators took part in the incident and that his department is investigating and reviewing surveillance video.

“We’re not sure if they’re local or from out of town,” he said. “These guys, it wasn’t their first time.”

Other incidents involved alcohol. Henry Symington, 40, was arrested Friday night outside the Salish Lounge after urinating in public and allegedly refusing to cooperate with an officer, Chase said.

Symington again was arrested Monday morning around 4 a.m. after an alleged domestic dispute. While appearing in Judge Chuck Wall’s Justice Court Tuesday afternoon, deputy county prosecutor Mark Russell alleged that Symington also assaulted Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies Levi Read and Joel Diaz during the incident. Both deputies were transported to the hospital and released later that day, Russell said. Wall ordered Symington held on $100,000 bond unless he passes a urinary analysis test, in which case bond would be reduced to $20,000.

In a separate incident Saturday morning, Philip Friscia, 24, was eventually tazed by Polson officers after allegedly refusing to cooperate, according to Chase. Friscia held an open container of alcohol and cursed at Officer Chris Wright after being issued a warning on Main Street. Friscia faces charges of obstructing an officer and disorderly conduct, in addition to lesser offenses.

Chase said a report came in alleging a rape Saturday morning and the investigation is ongoing, including where the alleged offense took place.

The weekend wrapped up with a two vehicle accident on Hillcrest near the bike path, Chase said. Harry Vanvouchaute, 63, rounded the corner headed eastbound and just missed hitting Officer William Cleveland before allegedly plowing into a private citizens’ vehicle, Chase said. Vanvouchaute was charged with negligent endangerment, reckless driving and DUI, Chase said. No injuries occurred but occupants were “shaken,” Chase said.

“It as an extremely busy weekend,” Chase said. “Lots of noise complaints, disturbances and many calls.”