Man accused of robbing elderly women faces 36 charges in Pierce County
A Lakewood man accused of robbing elderly women has been arrested and faces prosecution on 36 charges, court records show.
Tacoma police announced Tuesday they’d arrested the man “following an extensive investigation.”
Nathan Louis Smith, 27, was charged in Pierce County Superior Court on Tuesday with multiple counts of second-degree robbery, second-degree assault, third-degree malicious mischief, second-degree identity theft and other crimes, court records show.
A not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf at arraignment. Court Commissioner Barbara McInvaille ordered Smith jailed in lieu of $1.5 million bail.
The robberies began in October 2025 and continued into this month, according to charging documents. One woman told police she was sitting in her car in a parking lot when someone later identified as Smith ran up to her car, smashed the passenger-side window, grabbed her purse and fled.
Victims reported losing cash and credit cards, which later were used to buy things at area shops and stores, charging documents state.
Detectives identified Smith as the robber, according to a news release from Tacoma police. On Jan. 16, they were following him in 12100 block of Meridian Avenue East near Puyallup when he pulled into a parking lot of a business.
“As officers moved in, the suspect put on a balaclava and armed himself with a firearm, appearing to prepare to continue his crime spree,” according to the news release. “Officers surrounded the suspect, who attempted to flee by ramming police vehicles with the stolen vehicle he was driving. Officers acted quickly and safely took the suspect into custody.
“Additional charges remain under investigation.”
Tacoma police said that they have recovered unclaimed property believed connected to Smith’s alleged crime spree. People who believe they might be a victim or who can identify property taken during a crime can contact the Tacoma Police Department at 253-830-6576.
Smith has a number of criminal convictions in Washington, including for vehicle prowling, car theft and attempting to elude police, court records state.
