Two boys, 12 and 16, suspected in string of robberies

EVERETT -- A 12-year-old boy committed at least three robberies over the summer with the help of a gun loaned to him by a 16-year-old friend, Everett police said.

Police said the 16-year-old was involved in at least one of the robberies. The boys were recently arrested and booked into the Denny Juvenile Justice Center.

According to police, the first robbery occurred around 8:30 p.m. on July 23 at a Jimmy John's restaurant in the 900 block of Sievers-Duecy Boulevard. Two white males wearing white surgical masks entered the business and demanded cash, witnesses told police. One of the boys pointed a black revolver at the employee, cocked the gun and said, "Give me the money." The males stuffed cash into their pockets before fleeing the store on foot, police said.

On Aug. 29, a young male entered a business in the 800 block of Pecks Drive, threw down a bag and demanded cash. The suspect fled the scene when he received cash. The third robbery occurred when a suspect road his bike to the Hillbilly Hotties Coffee Company on Sept. 2 and asked for a coffee. When the female employee told the boy the price, he allegedly reached into his bag, pulled out a gun and demanded all the coffee shop's money. The employee told the boy there was no money, but he took a tip jar before riding off.

Police detectives investigating the case determined the same male was present in all three robberies judging by his voice, actions, physical dimensions and weapon he used. Using video surveillance, police identified the suspect as a 12-year-old boy from Everett. The boy allegedly confessed to two robberies when approached by police. His 16-year-old friend was also arrested in connection with the first robberies, and allegedly confessed he let the boy borrow his gun.

The boys are expected to be charged with robbery in juvenile court.

Detectives believe a different boy may have been present in the first robbery. Anyone with information on the case is encouraged to call 911.