Robbery of Valley pipe shop may be connected to string of thefts

The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a robbery at Spokane Valley Puffin Glass Studios late Monday night. The incident may be connected to a string of robberies over the last two weeks. Shortly after 10 p.m., two masked men armed with handguns entered the store at 12023 E. Sprague Ave., which sells pipes and marijuana paraphernalia, said Deputy Craig Chamberlin with the sheriff’s office. The suspects bound an employee there and fled the scene, taking cash. No one was injured and no arrests have been made. Both suspects are described as males about 6 feet tall of average build. Both were wearing masks and gloves. The sheriff’s office, along with the Spokane Police Department, are investigating a possible connection to 11 robberies striking businesses in Spokane and Spokane Valley, Chamberlin said. Several convenience stores have been robbed, as well as Peace of Mind, another pipe store. In each case, the suspects enter the store as it is closing and demand cash. The suspects in each incident may be the same or else may be members of a group of thieves, Chamberlin said.