Oct 16, 2012 2 min read

The alleged getaway driver in a Washington armed robbery was arrested after he crashed his vehicle Saturday night into a large concrete planter while trying to flee from police. Desmond L. Lightfoot, 19, of 240 Duncan Ave., Washington, is accused of driving the getaway vehicle for another man accused of robbing the Circle K convenience store, 701 W. Chestnut St., at gunpoint about 10:45 p.m. Washington police were called for a robbery in progress at the store. When they arrived, the clerk told officers a man entered the store and put a gun to her head, demanding money. A witness reported seeing a gold Jeep Liberty parked at the rear of the store. After the robbery, the getaway vehicle eventually went north on Baird Avenue. City police broadcast a description of the vehicle. A short time later, South Strabane Township police saw a Jeep matching the description get off Interstate 70 eastbound at the Murtland Avenue exit. Township police tried to stop the vehicle, but it fled. The Jeep crashed into a planter outside Washington Federal Bank, North Main at East Walnut streets. Police said Lightfoot and the suspected gunman both fled on foot. Lightfoot was taken into custody near Shirls and Hall avenues. The other suspect was not located. Lightfoot was arraigned before District Judge Robert Redlinger on charges of robbery, criminal conspiracy and fleeing or attempting to elude police. He was placed in the Washington County jail on $50,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is set for Oct. 23 before Redlinger. The other suspect remains at large.