DNA on fake beard may solve Spokane robbery

Sat., Feb. 13, 2010

The Spokesman-Review

A 7-month-old robbery may be solved thanks to DNA from a fake beard worn by the culprit.

A suspect, 35-year-old Donald R. Wright, was arrested Wednesday in connection with the June 23 robbery at the Grocery Outlet at 7810 N. Division after the state crime lab matched his DNA to samples found on the beard.

Wright is accused of robbing the store while wearing a wig and beard. He fled and told a nearby homeowner he needed a ride because he was being chased, according to a search warrant filed today in Spokane County District Court.

When the homeowner returned, he learned of the robbery and told police he may have inadvertently driven the culprit from the scene, according to the search warrant.

Police found the wig and beard in the man’s backyard, and Wright’s DNA was on file with the state because of a previous felony conviction. The robber’s getaway driver picked out Wright’s mug shot in a lineup, according to the search warrant.

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