Deputies Arrest Holdup Suspect

Sheriff’s deputies arrested a man who they say pulled a nylon stocking over his face and robbed a Spokane Valley convenience store Monday.

Donald E. Gonstrom, 41, was nabbed at his house on the 3700 block of East Ninth. Deputies think he held up at least two other stores over the weekend.

During Monday’s robbery at the Zip Trip, 10300 E. Broadway, a man held a small revolver, took some cash from the clerk and ran east behind the store.

Deputies wouldn’t say how much money was taken. The robbery occurred shortly before 2 p.m.

Witnesses said the thief left in a brown Chevrolet Celebrity. One witness wrote down the car’s license plate number, which led deputies to Gonstrom’s house, Lt. David Wiyrick said.

A robber who matches Gonstrom’s description held up the Jackpot on East Sprague late Saturday and another Zip Trip on East Trent, Wiyrick said.

Deputies believe a different man robbed at least two other stores over the weekend. He is described as white, 25 years old, about 5 feet 8 inches tall, 150 pounds with blond hair pulled back in a ponytail.

That man robbed a Texaco station on the Newport Highway shortly after 5 p.m. Saturday and a QwikStop on North Monroe on Sunday afternoon. , DataTimes