LEWISTON, ID - A 20-year-old Lewiston man was arrested early this morning after he allegedly robbed the Zip Trip convenience store in the 1400 block of Main Street. Joseph G. Leiterman was booked into the Nez Perce County Jail on a charge of robbery after he was located by Lewiston Police a short time after the incident. According to the Lewiston Police Department, at about 3:22 a.m., a clerk reported that a male with a dark-colored bandana over his face and wearing a dark, long sleeve sweatshirt and dark pants, entered the store with a handgun, pointed it at the clerk, took cash out of the cash register, and then fled the store on foot. "The first officer arrived on scene within two minutes and immediately noticed a vehicle leaving the area. As the officer passed by the vehicle he noticed the driver appeared to be wearing a dark colored, long sleeved shirt. The officer turned to catch up to the vehicle and noticed an erratic driving pattern as if the driver was trying to avoid contact," according to a news release. When other units arrived, a high-risk traffic stop was conducted in the 2100 block of east Main Street. "After securing the driver, officers observed a dark colored bandana and stocking hat as well as black pistol holster laying in plain view inside the vehicle. The driver gave officers consent to search his vehicle and advised them that there was cash in the center console. Officers recovered approximately $43 in cash which was the amount reported stolen by the Zip Trip clerk." The news release states that at this point Leiterman was detained on suspicion of armed robbery. He was transported to the police department and eventually confessed to the robbery. Officers and detectives were able to recover store surveillance video showing Leiterman committing the robbery. The handgun used in the robbery was located near 16th Street and Main Street where Leiterman had thrown it when he noticed the first responding officer attempting to catch up with him, according to LPD. The investigation is continuing and further charges are pending.
Posted on: Tue, 20 Aug 2013 17:52:03 +0000