Suspect arrested in beauty store robberies

After months of investigation, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team arrested a suspect Thursday morning in connection with two robberies last November.

Vance G. Bartley, 50, faces two robbery and three kidnapping charges in connection with robberies of two Sally’s Beauty locations in Spokane and Spokane Valley, the Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

On Nov. 6, investigators believe Bartley robbed the store at 15735 E. Broadway Ave., threatening to shoot an employee if she didn’t comply with his demands. He allegedly tied her up with a phone cord, stole her cell phone and said he would return and kill her if she called police, the release said.

Bartley is also suspected in a Nov. 12 robbery at 2401 W. Wellesley Ave. Employees there told police they saw a handgun in his waistband, the release said.

Bartley is a nine-time convicted felon with prior convictions for robbery, the release said. The investigation is ongoing and Bartley will likely face additional charges.