Robbery suspect held by victim until arrest

A man charged with robbing a North Spokane grocery store at gunpoint was ordered held in the Spokane County Jail today on a $150,000 bond. James T. Hopkins, 25, appeared today before Superior Court Judge Annette Plese. Hopkins was arrested Monday night after witnesses said he walked into the G and B Grocery, at 2104 E. Francis Ave., and began yelling for everyone to get onto the ground. Hopkins approached the counter just before 7 p.m. and pointed a gun at a girl, her father, two cousins and two others in the store. Hopkins also fired one round into the air, according to court records. Witnesses said Hopkins grabbed cash and tried to leave. But one of the victims chased Hopkins, caught him and held him until Spokane Police officers arrived. Officers learned that the entire incident was caught on video tape, which shows Hopkins pointing the gun at the victims, court records state. Hopkins faces the charges of first-degree armed robbery, six counts of first-degree assault and unlawful possession of a firearm. Plese noted he has four previous felony convictions.