A Spanaway man who pleaded not guilty Thursday to robbing a Walgreens pharmacy in Graham is suspected in three other recent armed robberies, according to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department.
Scott Barnes, 28, pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree robbery, and was held on $500,000 bail.
He allegedly walked into the Walgreens at 22320 Meridian E. about 1:45 p.m. Wednesday. He is accused of jumping over the counter and pointing a handgun at an employee, and forcing him to his knees.
“The goal was to steal medication,” sheriff’s spokesman Ed Troyer said.
According to deputies and court records:
After grabbing several bottles, Barnes fled through a fire exit and drove off. A deputy recognized the vehicle and tried to pull it over but the robber fled. That started a chase that wound through South Hill and ended in the 17600 block of Gem Heights Drive East, after authorities flattened his tires.
A handgun and pill bottles were found in the vehicle, Troyer said.
Prosecutors said Barnes admitted to three Pierce County robberies and a robbery in King County. He is believed to also have robbed two other Walgreens in Pierce County and one in Auburn.
stacia.glenn@thenewstribune.com alexis.krell@thenewstribune.com
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.