MEDICAL LAKE, Wash. – As temperatures drop and shelters close, the unhoused population in Medical Lake faces challenges in finding warm places to stay.
On Sunday night, a man broke into the Medical Lake Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Karissa Harder received a call from the Sheriff’s Office just before midnight.
“They had been informed by our security system that there had been a break in,” Dr. Harder said.
Dr. Harder explained that the man, who was walking to Seattle, smashed a window to get inside. He was arrested by the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and did not resist.
“Surprised to learn he was just trying to find a place to rest,” Dr. Harder added.
The break-in caused about $750 in damage to the clinic, but no merchandise or medication was missing. Dr. Harder expressed empathy for the man.
“I don’t have any ill will towards him, I honestly just hope he gets the resources that he needs where he doesn’t need to break in businesses to find a warm place to stay,” Dr. Harder said.
The city of Spokane has implemented an online dashboard called Shelter Me Spokane. This tool outlines available resources and allows local providers to update bed availability every 24 hours.
Dr. Harder is discussing increased security measures with their provider and hopes other businesses won’t have to face similar incidents as the weather gets colder.
“Hopefully they are able to find warm places to stay without having to cause too much trouble,” Dr. Harder stated.
