Suspect In Robberies Arrested; Knives Found

A suspect in a string of armed robberies was arrested Saturday after he bought Oreo cookies at a Staples office supply store and then allegedly tried to rob the place, a police spokesman said.

David Sugai, 40, is suspected of robbing a Yoke’s grocery store, a state liquor store, an Al’s Auto Supply store and a K mart - all since mid-August, said Dick Cottam, Spokane Police Department spokesman.

After paying for the cookies, Sugai is accused of threatening a Staples cashier with a small knife. The cashier told Sugai she couldn’t open the register without a manager. Sugai was heard to say something resembling “It isn’t worth it,” and left the store, Cottam said.

Police arrested Sugai at Francis Avenue and Nevada Street based on a store clerk’s description of a getaway vehicle - a red 1981 Ford pickup.

Two knives were found on Sugai, one similar to the weapon used in the other armed robberies, Cottam said.

Sugai was charged with first-degree robbery. He was listed as a transient.

, DataTimes