Man arrested after low-speed chase in reverse is charged in gas station robbery

A man suspected of robbing a Graham gas station Sunday of cash, lottery tickets and three cartons of cigarettes is being held in lieu of $200,000 bail.

Anthony Hayes, 29, pleaded not guilty Monday to first-degree robbery and eluding a police vehicle in connection with the holdup.

Detectives said Hayes walked into a convenience store at 19921 Meridian E. about 4:45 a.m. He was wearing a mask and carrying a shotgun.

He ordered the clerk to lock the door and then took the money, lottery tickets and cigarettes, according to charging papers.

A Lakewood police officer who was nearby heard the robbery call and responded. The officer spotted Hayes getting into a vehicle and tried to stop him, but Hayes got out of the parking lot by driving in reverse.

A sheriff’s deputy soon joined the pursuit of the getaway car, which was still traveling in reverse and estimated to be going about 35 to 45 mph for seven blocks.

“Officers tried to box him in, eventually forcing him into the ditch, where he was eventually forced to stop despite his attempt to get away,” records show.

This story was originally published September 27, 2016 at 7:00 AM with the headline "Man arrested after low-speed chase in reverse is charged in gas station robbery."