SPOKANE, Wash. — Residents are frustrated with what they’ve nicknamed “Camp Dope,” an encampment of three campers bringing drug use and crime to their neighborhood.
“It’s frustrating. It’s hard to go for a walk or be outside,” said Logan Ledbetter, who lives nearby.
Residents feel unsafe doing everyday activities like walking outside. Parents worry about drug use happening where children play.
“They go and get high by the dumpster and leave paraphernalia back there. And there are a lot of kids back there,” said Lisa Fender, a concerned resident.
Residents also report property damage and theft.
“They’ve got people jimmying in their door handles at night. My jeep has been broken into, my spare tire has been stolen,” Ledbetter said.
Elderly residents now avoid going outdoors.
“Quite a few elderly people live in those apartments too, and they don’t even really come outside. You don’t see people sitting outside,” Fender explained.
Parents with young children face additional concerns.
“I have a nine-month-old daughter. I certainly don’t want people doing drugs right at my truck while I’m trying to load my daughter in the car,” said Ledbetter.
Residents want more action from local authorities.
“I just feel that the sheriff department could produce a little bit more action as far as clearing that lot,” Fender said.
The sheriff’s office says their options are limited.
“Because this is private property, and the property owner has given permission to these campers to be there, it makes it difficult to clean this area up. But the county is working with the property owner to get some of these people moved out,” reported Madeleine Mullins.
Some progress has been made, with certain items removed from the property in recent weeks. At least one local business confirmed seeing improvement.
However, some residents may relocate if conditions don’t improve soon.
“A few of our neighbors have talked about how bad it’s gotten. They used to love it here,” Ledbetter said.
The situation highlights challenges in addressing encampments on private property while balancing property rights with community safety.
Residents hope for more immediate action while authorities work with the property owner on solutions.
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