TACOMA, WA – Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist charged five teens with robbery and attempted robbery for their involvement in a gang-related armed robbery at Lincoln Park late Saturday evening. A sixth suspect has not yet been arrested.
“Our Gang Unit is committed to vigorous prosecution of juvenile gang members who commit violent crimes in our community,” said Prosecutor Mark Lindquist. “Gang violence has been reduced by over 50% in Pierce County, but there is still work to be done.”
On February 9, at approximately 9:20 pm, four friends were walking through Lincoln Park when they noticed a group of six teens walking toward them. They turned around and asked the teens if they needed anything. C.J.H., 15, responded, “Yes, everything you have in your pockets.” The victims replied that they did not have anything. A suspect pointed a gun at the victims, stating that this was not a game. One victim gave them his wallet. The six teens then fled through the park.
The Tacoma Police responded to the area and arrested five teens and obtained a description of the sixth. The five suspects were positively identified by the victims. Four suspects admitted to gang affiliations. A.C.A., 15, C.J.H., 15, and M.K.C., 15, were charged in juvenile court with robbery in the first degree and attempted robbery in the first degree. The juveniles have been detained.
Noel Sao, 18, was charged with robbery in the first degree and attempted robbery in the first degree. The State asked for $250,000 bail. The court set bail at $50,000. Sao’s next court appearance is March 18 in Courtroom 270 in the County City Building in Tacoma.
Stephon Green, 17, is charged with robbery in the first degree and attempted robbery in the first degree. Green will be arraigned February 12 in Courtroom 270 in the County City Building in Tacoma. Green is charged as an adult because of his age and the seriousness of the crime.
The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may follow. Charges are only allegations and a person is presumed innocent unless he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
For more information, please contact Kelly Kelstrup at (253) 798-7792, [email protected].