SOUTH HILL, Wash. — Three juveniles and an 18-year-old were arrested Friday in connection to an armed robbery of 7-Eleven in South Hill as authorities investigate two other 7-Eleven robberies in Kent.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department initially said a 7-Eleven in South Hill was robbed at gunpoint around 5:30 a.m. by three suspects who fled in a stolen vehicle. Deputies later learned a fourth suspect was involved.
The sheriff's department said a deputy attempted to stop the vehicle before a police pursuit began. The pursuit went southbound on State Route 161 into Eatonville where the deputy lost sight of the suspects. A deputy later located the vehicle in Eatonville and was backed into by the suspects before the pursuit continued northbound on SR 161. Authorities were able to deploy stop sticks, which the vehicle struck.
The sheriff's department said the suspects crashed at Orville Rd E, just south of Ohop Lake and they fled on foot. One suspect, a 16-year-old, was quickly located and arrested.
A K9 unit tracked the other two suspects across a creek and through several residential properties. At around 8:15 a.m., the K9 unit located the two suspects, a 16-year-old and a 15-year-old, near 414th St Ct E and 120th Ave Ct E. Residents reported the suspects were asking for rides out of the area and were soaking wet.
Those suspects will be booked into the Remann Hall Detention Center.
Police later learned a fourth suspect fled from the vehicle after it crashed. He was seen walking near state Route 161 and Ohop Drive North. Eatonville officers detained him and a witness identified him. He was booked into Pierce County Jail.
Two other 7-Eleven armed robberies were reported in Kent around 4 a.m. and 4:15 a.m. Friday. According to the Kent Police Department, the suspects were dressed in dark clothing and wearing masks. The suspects reportedly fled the area following the robberies.
The 7-Elevens are located in the 18000 block of East Valley Highway and the 1400 block of W. Meeker St.
Authorities have not yet confirmed if all of the robberies are connected.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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