Arrest made in Jordan's robbery
Ralph Bartholdt Staff Writer | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 8 years, 2 months AGO
COEUR d’ALENE — A 20-year-old Coeur d’Alene man who reportedly ditched his robbery clothes after allegedly sticking up Jordan’s Grocery in Coeur d’Alene Wednesday is in jail on a $75,000 bond.
Christopher N. Guinasso, who is charged with felony burglary and robbery, said he couldn’t afford defense counsel and asked the court for a public defender. He is employed at McDonald’s, has a newborn, and attends college, he told Magistrate James Combo at his first appearance Friday.
Citing five petit thefts as a juvenile, two previous probation violations, felony convictions for burglary and grand theft, and his failure to appear in court for another case, prosecutors asked for a $100,000 bond.
In addition, Deputy Prosecutor Nina Fisk said she was concerned because Guinasso had used a firearm to hold up the 15th Street grocery store.
“He committed this crime using a deadly weapon,” Fisk said.
Combo cleared the record.
“It was a pellet gun,” he said. But the clerk at Jordan’s did not know it when the robbery occurred.
“It didn’t cause any less fear,” Combo said.
According to police, Guinasso wore a beanie, a mint-colored bandana, a hooded sweatshirt, athletic pants and Converse shoes when he pointed a long-barreled pellet gun at a grocery store clerk demanding money.
Surveillance footage marked the time after 9:05 p.m. The clerk told police Guinasso’s voice was “deep and panicky.”
The clerk raised her hands, headed to the cash register and turned over $589 to the masked man who, in his haste, dropped two, $20 bills and a $5 bill before quickly leaving the store.
Police used a tracking dog that led officers to the intersection of Harrison Avenue and 16th Street where officers found the black and gray beanie and a light green bandana worn by the robber in the video.
Using tips from relatives and others who saw Guinasso the day of the robbery, the 20-year-old was interviewed Thursday by Coeur d’Alene police and arrested.
Police found a backpack at a Coeur d’Alene home Guinasso frequents that contained some of the clothing the robber wore in the video, according to a report.
The pellet gun was not recovered.
Guinasso’s next court appearance, a probable cause hearing, will be scheduled within 14 days.
ARTICLES BY RALPH BARTHOLDT STAFF WRITER
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