A Richland couple were arrested on drug charges after police responded to call a about the smell of marijuana coming from their home, authorities said.
Officers contacted Jerry D. Richwine, 28, and his wife, Sandra Knight, 43, at their home in the 900 block of Davenport Street on Saturday, said Richland police Sgt. Mike Harrison.
Richwine told officers he had a valid medical marijuana card and was legally in possession of the marijuana, Harrison said.
State law says a person with a valid recommendation for medical marijuana can grow up to 15 plants and have a 60-day supply of processed marijuana, which is set at 24 ounces.
Officers, however, determined Richwine had about 9 1/2 pounds of pot in the home, police said.
Richwine also reportedly had hydrocodone pills but not a prescription.
Knight, who had an outstanding warrant for her arrest, also was found with marijuana and drug paraphernalia, which was given to her by Richwine, police said.
Richwine was booked into the Benton County jail on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance, delivering marijuana and possessing more than 40 grams of marijuana.
Knight was jailed for possessing marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Moses Lake man dies 2 days after home fire
A Moses Lake man died at a Spokane hospital two days after he was pulled from his burning home, officials said Monday.
The blaze was reported by a passerby at 5:20 a.m. Wednesday after seeing flames at Harvest Mobile Home Park, 4815 Airway Drive Northeast.
Grant Fire District 5 crews found Raymond Rallo, 55, unconscious inside the home. They pulled him out and started CPR and other life-saving measures, with help from American Medical Response paramedics.
Rallo was flown to Deaconess Medical Center in Spokane. He died Friday from smoke inhalation, said Grant County Sheriff Tom Jones.
The cause of the fire still is under investigation.
State patrol to tweet about trooper training
The Washington State Patrol is using Twitter to see if candidates have it what it takes to make it as a trooper.
Trooper Pete Stock will be tweeting information on @troopercareer about the training cadets are doing at the State Patrol Academy.
Stock also will post information on the state patrol's website and Facebook page about day-to-day tasks and responsibilities of a trooper.
For more information, follow @troopercareer or #joinWSP.
Prosser woman dies from gunshot wound
A 46-year-old Prosser woman was found dead at her home Saturday.
Lisa Marie Renz died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, said Benton County Coroner John Hansens.
-- Paula Horton: 582-1556; phorton@tricityherald.com
