Vancouver police moved quickly Tuesday night after an alleged robbery at the Towne Pump convenience store along East Fourth Plain Boulevard, wrapping up the case almost as fast as the suspect allegedly grabbed the cash.
Officers say that just after 8:30 p.m., a man slipped behind the counter at the store, implied he had a weapon and left with money from the register. Patrol units later spotted a man walking in the surrounding neighborhood who matched the description and detained him. Police say the store’s money was returned, and investigators recovered an item described as a knife.
According to the Vancouver Police Department, officers recovered clothing that matched surveillance footage, a large amount of cash and a knife, ultimately returning about $1,450 to the store. The post identifies the suspect as William Jacob, who was booked into the Clark County Jail on first-degree robbery charges after officers found him near the business. Department video from the incident shows the suspect stepping behind the counter and handling the register.
Where it happened
The Towne Pump involved is listed at 3515 E Fourth Plain Blvd near Wilson Avenue, in an east Vancouver commercial strip that serves drivers along the Fourth Plain corridor. Online business listings identify it as a Towne Pump/Texaco station. The address is listed by MapQuest.
Legal implications
Under Washington law, first-degree robbery is a class A felony when a suspect is armed, displays what appears to be a weapon, or causes injury during the crime. It is the state’s most serious robbery charge and can bring lengthy prison sentences under RCW 9A.56.200, as outlined by FindLaw.
