Mattawa, Warden robberies related

MATTAWA – Mattawa Police Chief John Turley reports no suspects have been developed in relation to the robbery of the Mattawa Mart and Union 76 gas station on Feb. 12.

But he is fairly certain the same two people who robbed the Astro Mart in Warden on Jan. 27 and the Mattawa Mart on Jan. 28 are the ones who robbed the Mattawa Mart on Feb. 12.

Turley said surveillance videos from the two stores show two people dressed the same in all three incidents.

“They have the same masks, the same gloves, the same shoes, the same clothing and the same MO (method of operation),” Turley said.

The Warden robbery was conducted at about 10 p.m. on the 27th. The first Mattawa robbery occurred at about 6 a.m. on the 28th. The third one happened at about 5 a.m. on the 12th.

The one of the 12th included a third person. Turley believes that person is a juvenile.

Turley responded to the call from his residence on the 12th. There were no line officers on duty at the time. The robbers had fled by the time he arrived.

Turley has never reported how much cash, if any, was taken. The investigation, involving several agencies, is ongoing. Turley said no suspects have been developed, but he’s confident there will be.

There were two female employees working in the store at the time of the robbery. They reported to the chief that there were three robbers, all masked and gloved. Two had firearms.

Turley said he has some information that can’t be released for fear of jeopardizing the investigation.