EVERETT — A Lake Stevens man could be facing a mandatory life sentence if he is convicted of robbing a Snohomish convenience store in January.
Prosecutors say Keith Puett, 28, has two prior strikes for second-degree assault. A robbery conviction could send him to prison for life under the state’s persistent offender law, according to court papers.
Puett and co-defendant Shane Moy are accused of holding up Vic’s Market on Jan. 18. On Monday, both men pleaded not guilty to first-degree robbery.
Prosecutors allege that Puett and Moy were wearing masks when they rushed into the market and demanded money from the owner. Puett reportedly pointed a handgun at the man.
The robbers made off with $60 and a several packs of cigarettes.
Police caught up with Moy, 33, outside a Lake Stevens house. He and a couple of other people were attempting to free a car from a ditch, Snohomish County deputy prosecutor Julie Mohr wrote in court papers. The car appeared to be the getaway vehicle seen leaving the market shortly after the robbery.
Puett was holed up inside the house and refused to come outside, Mohr wrote. Eventually, SWAT members went inside and arrested him.
Police found knit caps, a ski mask, cigarette butts, a 9 mm bullet and a drug pipe inside the car. They found a handgun inside the house.
Puett was being held without bail. He has several other felony and misdemeanor convictions. Bail was set at $500,000 for Moy. He also has recent felony convictions for possession of heroin and methamphetamine.
Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463; hefley@heraldnet.com.
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