Deputies arrest suspected pharmacy robbers

Spokane County sheriff’s deputies arrested two men suspected of robbing a Spokane Valley pharmacy at gunpoint on Thursday night. Deputies responded to the robbery call at Shopko, at 13414 E. Sprague Ave., around 9 p.m. Witnesses said the robber fled the scene in a gold Honda Accord. Deputy Mark Holthaus was headed east on Valleyway Avenue and saw a Honda matching that description and heading west. The car was stopped at Broadway Avenue and Pines Road. The driver stayed in the car but another man ran from the car, a news release from the sheriff’s office said. Deputies chased the man, later identified as Steven Perry, 28, and caught him after a short pursuit. While chasing Perry, deputies said they saw him throw something toward the bushes. When the deputies searched the area, they found a handgun they believe was used in the robbery. Perry was booked into jail on suspicion of armed robbery, unlawful possession of a firearm and obstructing. His bond was set at $50,000 during a brief court appearance Friday. The other man, William Higgins, 25, was booked on suspicion of armed robbery and driving with a suspended license. His bond was set at $25,000.