Teenage suspect arrested in shootout with security during Tacoma cannabis shop armed robbery
TACOMA, Wash. December 7th, 2022— One suspect was arrested Monday in connection to an armed robbery of a Tacoma cannabis shop in October.
The 17-year-old suspect was booked into Pierce County Jail and will be tried as an adult.
He faces charges of first-degree assault, first-degree robbery, second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle.
According to police, around 2:30 a.m. on Oct. 28, three cars pulled up near the front of Zip’s Cannabis in the 2600 block of Pacific Avenue. One vehicle drove through the front doors.
The other suspects then ran into the store and started to throw merchandise in bags they brought to the scene.
They allegedly stole thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise, according to court documents.
The suspects exchanged gunfire with an armed security guard outside of the business. Police believe one of the suspects was shot. The security guard was not injured.
According to security camera footage, there were at least six suspects involved in the crime. Two cars were left at the scene. All of the cars used during the robbery were stolen.
Court documents said the 17-year-old arrived in a stolen red Hyundai Elantra. Detectives were able to identify him through surveillance video and a cell phone left in the car.
An affidavit shows the suspects could be linked to six other pot shop robberies. Documents said items stolen from a store in Auburn were found in the car where the teen was driving. The detective said in court documents all the cases had a similar MO with multiple suspects, with multiple vehicles, ramming through the doors when the business is closed and rushing inside to steal merchandise.
Court documents said the teen will likely face more charges. He was given a $300,000 bail and his next court date is Jan. 3.
The investigation is still ongoing. Tacoma police are still asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
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