Two people pleaded not guilty Tuesday to robbing a Tacoma gas station last spring, though one of them earlier told police the couple pulled the holdup because they needed rent money.
Authorities said Anthony Walton, 29, is a suspect in a second gas station robbery, which was featured by Tacoma-Pierce County Crime Stoppers. His bail was set at $75,000. Bail for Natalie Shermer, Walton’s 25-year-old girlfriend, was set at $10,000.
Charging documents give this account:
On May 15, Walton walked into the Shell gas station at 13221 Pacific Ave. S., pointed a gun at the clerk and demanded money. The clerk told him he couldn’t open the cash register but eventually handed over money after Walton repeatedly threatened to shoot him.
Walton fled in a car driven by Shermer.
Detectives interviewed Shermer this week, and she admitted her boyfriend was wanted for robbing a 7-Eleven gas station at 4701 S. Oakes St. the day after the Shell robbery. She said she had seen his photo on a Crime Stoppers poster.
She initially denied being involved in the first holdup but recanted after police showed her surveillance photos of her and Walton leaving the business.
“She explained that she and Walton were about to lose their home, and they were trying to get money to pay rent,” according to court records.
A revolver believed to be used in both robberies was found in Walton’s car when officers served a search warrant, Tacoma police spokeswoman Loretta Cool said.
Stacia Glenn: 253-597-8653stacia.glenn@thenewstribune.com
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