Robbery victim said he challenged gunman, swatted away pistol

PORT ORCHARD — A 19-year-old man suspected of being one of three males who mugged another man at gunpoint outside a Silverdale gas station was jailed Friday for first-degree robbery.

The victim, who reported the robbery at about 8 p.m. Wednesday, told Kitsap County Sheriff's Office investigators that while facing the gunman outside the 76 gas station at 1195 NW Tahoe Lane, he challenged him on whether he would shoot him in public then “swatted” the pistol away. The victim said he then fought with the three robbers until they fled in a car, according to court documents. A deputy later found a loaded .380-caliber pistol at the scene.

The victim identified two of the males – including the 19-year-old charged – but did not recognize the gunman, who was wearing a mask, according to documents.

The victim said the incident started when he was grabbed from behind as he walked toward the convenience store at the gas station. He was able to free himself and confront them, which is when he said he challenged the gunman and disarmed him.

Reports don’t say if the three suspects demanded anything from the victim, but one took the victim’s cell phone, according to reports.

The 19-year-old, charged Thursday, was booked into the Kitsap County Jail and is being held on $100,000 bail.