5 teens charged in 'gang-related' armed robbery
TACOMA, Wash. -- Prosecutors say the five teenagers thought to be responsible for a weekend armed robbery are gang members.
On Monday, Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist charged the teens with robbery and attempted robbery for their involvement in a Saturday night stick-up in Lincoln Park. A sixth suspect has not yet been arrested.
Four friends were walking through Lincoln Park Saturday evening when they were approached by a group of six teenagers. When one of the friends asked the teens if they needed anything, one of the teens reportedly said, "Yes, everything you have in your pockets," according to prosecutors.
The victims said they didn't have anything, at which point prosecutors say one of the teens pulled out a gun, pointed it at the friends and said this "was not a game." One of the victims handed over a wallet and the six teens ran away.
Police searched the area and found five teens who matched the description of the robbers. The victims later positively identified the teens.
Two of the teens, 17-year-old Stephon Green and 18-year-old Noel Sao, were charged with first degree robbery and first degree attempted robbery. Three other teens, all 15-years old, were charged with the same crimes in juvenile court.
"Our Gang Unit is committed to vigorous prosecution of juvenile gang members who commit violent crimes in our community," Lindquist said in a news release. "Gang violence has been reduced by over 50% in Pierce County, but there is still work to be done."
On Monday, Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist charged the teens with robbery and attempted robbery for their involvement in a Saturday night stick-up in Lincoln Park. A sixth suspect has not yet been arrested.
Four friends were walking through Lincoln Park Saturday evening when they were approached by a group of six teenagers. When one of the friends asked the teens if they needed anything, one of the teens reportedly said, "Yes, everything you have in your pockets," according to prosecutors.
The victims said they didn't have anything, at which point prosecutors say one of the teens pulled out a gun, pointed it at the friends and said this "was not a game." One of the victims handed over a wallet and the six teens ran away.
Police searched the area and found five teens who matched the description of the robbers. The victims later positively identified the teens.
Two of the teens, 17-year-old Stephon Green and 18-year-old Noel Sao, were charged with first degree robbery and first degree attempted robbery. Three other teens, all 15-years old, were charged with the same crimes in juvenile court.
"Our Gang Unit is committed to vigorous prosecution of juvenile gang members who commit violent crimes in our community," Lindquist said in a news release. "Gang violence has been reduced by over 50% in Pierce County, but there is still work to be done."
Gang unit huh. I think we know what that means. I bet not one of the 6 suspects has a father in the home.Â
yeah...but for every punk kid that gets caught, it seems like lil brother, sometimes even sister, waiting in the wings to take their place....sigh...so, what's the answer then to this epidemic? bartle_doo, that's a damn good question....
Lincoln park is wedged between S. Thompson street, S 38th street , pacific ave and I-5. I wouldnt walk around that area on a good day Unarmed, let alone in the evening.
I wonder where they acquired the gun. I think, no possibility of parole for use of a gun during a crime. That should be for the group, if one has a gun, and brandishes it, they are all guilty of the same crime, armed robbery with a firearm. The charge of armed robbery, and the charge of illegal possession of a handgun, illegal possession of ammunition, brandishing a firearm, (I am sure there are others that I have missed)  All separate charges, which cannot be plea bargained, and must be charged, and upon conviction must be served consecutively, not concurrently.
 @Mr. H Don't count on those charges Mr. H this is Washington State.
Oh, and that is for all of them, charged as adults... including the 15 year olds..
Is there a Lincoln Park in Pierce County? Since there is one in Seattle, this article is a bit confusing.
 @Iconoclast There is a Lincoln Park, it is right next to Lincoln High School.
"When seconds count, the police are only minutes away..."
 @Biggg Donnn  I think that is kind of a stupid statement, considering the police caught all of the suspects.Â
 @traceywo The victim "handed over a wallet..." when he should have handed over some lethal lead...
I would like to put together a group of citizens that walk into these parks...wait for the punks to hold us up and Beat the S%^t out of them then send off to the cops..But would that mean I am then in a gang?
 @OVURTYME Nope. Posse.
That'll keep em` off the streets for.... oh..... say... a few hours.
http://youtu.be/_KvO-8IvoCI
Im sure they are cryin' like babies right now...Punk $$$ brats.Throw the book at them.And to the Mama's and loser's Dad's,GREAT JOB at raising your kids.
@2ndstartothenorth - And it could just as well be the OTHER possibility; the punks think they have earned bragging rights that they moved up to an armed felony. Seem to recall something like this with the Tuba-man killers. Didnât slow a couple of them downâ¦â¦
Wonderful, more little gang bangers stealing in parks. I wonder what would happen if they ran into a CPL holder and things went sideways. Probably jail time for the CPL person and the kids getting a slap on the wrist.
 @Iarehere I have never been robbed, but after the first one, I promise to carry.
@Komo Dragon
I can tell you itâs a lot of fun having a gun pressed to the base of your skullâ¦â¦ You feel soooo empowered while itâs thereâ¦â¦. (and no, I still don't carry and, yes, strongly support the 2nd Amd)
 @Komo Dragon Assuming you are still alive after the first one.
 @Komo Dragon  @Iarehere Why wait....LEARN to carry and shoot, then carry, the first time could be your last, dont be a statistic
 @OVURTYME Yeah, kinda like waiting till after your first kitchen fire to get a fire extinguisher.
They should get at least double the punishment for using a gun.
 @hotrod45 A double-tap would have been more appropriate.
@hotrod45 Yeap I say add 10 years without parole for the gun in ANY crime.