Bank robbery suspect pleads not guilty

A Spokane man suspected of a series of armed bank robberies that began in December pleaded not guilty to two federal felonies on Thursday.

Lucas G. Woodard, 33, was arrested Oct. 14 after an armed robbery at Washington Trust Bank, 1906 W. Francis Ave.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation believes he may be the bicycle-riding bank robber responsible for six other robberies beginning Dec. 22.

Woodard was arraigned Thursday on a grand jury indictment charging him with armed bank robbery and using a firearm in the commission of a violent crime.

Investigators on Monday searched his rental home at 410 E. High Drive on the South Hill, where they believe Woodard lived alone. Woodard has no criminal record and is employed at Woodard Construction.

He’s being held without bail at the Spokane County Jail after waiving a bail hearing Thursday.

Meghann M. Cuniff