TACOMA, WA – Today Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist charged Michael David Winston, II, 27, and Brittney Winston, 26, with attempted robbery in the first degree. Michael was shot by an armored car guard as Michael attempted to rob him. Michael’s wife and getaway driver, Brittney, dropped him off at a hospital before ditching the car. Warrants have been issued for their arrest. Michael is being guarded by police at the hospital, and Brittney is still at-large.
“Robbing banks is a dangerous business,” said Prosecutor Mark Lindquist. “We are glad the guard and bystanders were uninjured.”
On Sept. 15, 2014, Michael entered the foyer to a Lakewood Bank of America branch, wearing dark clothing, a hat, gloves, sunglasses and a fake beard. As an armored car guard exited the bank, Michael pulled out a handgun and demanded money. Fearing for his life, the guard drew his own weapon and fired seven shots. Five shots struck Michael, including one in the leg and another in the head. Severely wounded, Michael stumbled to the getaway car, and Brittney dropped him off at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tacoma.
Police located the abandoned getaway car, which had been stolen at gunpoint last month by someone matching Michael’s description. Under the passenger seat, police found a loaded handgun, covered in blood.
When police searched the couple’s home, they found a letter signed by Brittney. In the letter, Brittney denies the robbery and says she drove Michael to the bank to transfer money.
Charges are only allegations and a person is presumed innocent unless he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Heather Songer
Communications and Public Information Coordinator
Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
253-798-6265
253-380-5856
[email protected]