Suspected bank robber expresses concern for dogs

David C. Burns reportedly led police on a chase after committing a bank robbery Wednesday afternoon, riding his bike through alleys and across yards until he slammed into the side of a police cruiser. Minutes after his bond was set at $50,000 in court Thursday, Burns interrupted the judge to ask that someone take care of his dogs. “They’re starving right now,” he said before the microphone in the Spokane County Jail courtroom was turned off. Washington Trust Bank employees said a man dressed in a dirty grey sweatshirt and pants and a Spider Man mask entered the bank at 27 E. Indiana around 3:30 p.m. He put a black canvas bag on the counter and demanded cash before fleeing. Spokane Police Officer Jim Christensen was on his way home when he spotted a man he believed fit the description of the suspect riding a bike at Nora and Division. Christensen tried to stop the man, identified as Burns, but Burns rode his bike south on Ruby as Christensen gave chase in his patrol car, according to court records. The chase headed down alleys and through yards and Burns dropped the backpack he was carrying behind a home near Augusta and Division. As other officers converged, Christensen cut Burns off and Burns rode into the side of the police car, court records say. Burns tried to run away but was tackled and handcuffed. The backpack was recovered and was found to have a black canvas bag and loose cash inside. The Spider Man mask and grey sweatshirt were located at Nora and Division where Burns was first spotted by Christensen. Burns is facing a charge of first-degree robbery. His criminal history includes four felony convictions and 35 misdemeanor convictions, many for theft related charges.