SOUTH HILL, Wash. — Three teens accused of robbing a 7-Eleven in South Hill were charged with first-degree robbery, taking a motor vehicle without permission and obstructing a law enforcement officer in Pierce County juvenile court on Tuesday.
An 18-year-old who is accused of carrying out the South Hill robbery with them, identified as Reuben Anthony Charity, was charged with first-degree robbery the day before. He pleaded not guilty and his bail was set at $150,000.
The teens - two 16-year-old boys and a 15-year-old girl - were ordered to be held in secure detention.
The suspects are believed to be involved in a string of robberies, according to probable cause documents. Deputies watched surveillance video of robberies in Auburn, Kent and Tacoma, and all of the suspects were wearing identical clothing.
Pierce County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded to reports of an armed robbery at the 7-Eleven store on Meridian Avenue East in South Hill on June 9 at 5:30 a.m. Employees told deputies that three suspects rushed into the store. One of them pointed a gun at the employee and climbed over the counter to empty the cash drawer. The two others helped.
The suspects ran out of the store with $91 and a food item.
Deputies arrested the three younger suspects after spotting the vehicle they used in the robbery. The suspects tried to access a different car and fled on foot before they were captured, deputies said.
Charity was arrested after deputies spotted him walking near State Route 161 and Ohop Creek. Charity was wearing the same clothing as one of the robbery suspects on surveillance footage, according to probable cause documents.
While speaking with law enforcement, deputies said Charity admitted it was him on the surveillance tape.
Deputies haven’t found the gun involved in the robbery.
Additional charges may be filed, prosecutors said.