By Cathy Logg
Herald Writer
OAK HARBOR — Two bystanders who intervened when an armed man robbed a branch post office inside the Marketplace Grocery will be honored by the city.
Their quick response enabled police to arrest two suspects and recover the stolen money.
About 6:15 p.m. Monday, a man brandishing a knife entered the post office, jumped over the counter and demanded money, Oak Harbor police Capt. Rick Wallace said Friday. When a customer in the grocery store yelled that a robbery was taking place, the knife-wielding man grabbed what money he could out of the cash register, jumped back over the counter and tried to flee, Wallace said.
A customer in the post office tackled the fleeing man, and the suspect slashed at him, slicing his coat, Wallace said. The man who tackled him was uninjured. The suspect managed to get free and ran outside.
Another customer who witnessed the robbery followed the fleeing suspect and an alleged accomplice as they drove away. He called police on his cell phone and followed the pair for about 10 minutes, until officers were able to catch up with and stop the suspects’ vehicle, Wallace said.
Police arrested a 29-year-old Oak Harbor transient, the alleged armed robber, and a 20-year-old Oak Harbor man, the alleged getaway driver, both without incident, he said. They recovered the money (less than $100) and the knife.
The suspect who took the money was booked into the Island County Jail and later was charged with first-degree robbery and second-degree assault, Wallace said. His bail was set at $50,000. His alleged accomplice was jailed and later was charged with second-degree robbery, with his bail set at $10,000.
The two citizens will receive good citizenship awards and may appear before the city council, Wallace said.
You can call Herald Writer Cathy Logg at 425-339-3437
or send e-mail to logg@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
