Vancouver man appears in court in robbery case

A Vancouver man suspected in multiple robberies and a shooting was back in Clark County Superior Court on Monday.

Cocaya S. Thomas, 19, appeared on suspicion of first-degree robbery in connection with a stolen firearms case. Thomas also faces charges of attempted second-degree murder, two counts of first-degree robbery and two counts of possession of a stolen firearm between two other cases.

He allegedly robbed two 16-year-old boys of a designer belt Aug. 12, and then four days later, fired shots during an altercation with a man in the 5900 block of Hazel Dell Avenue.

In the latest case, Thomas is accused of robbing a 17-year-old boy of a firearm, which was then allegedly used in the commission of the other crimes, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in Superior Court.

Detectives served a search warrant at Thomas’ residence Aug. 26 and reportedly found a stolen revolver under his bed. The firearm was reported stolen Aug. 11, along with another pistol, the affidavit states.

Thomas said he had met with the teen in a parking lot at Northeast Highway 99 and 63rd Street sometime in early August to purchase the weapon. The firearm, a .380 revolver, reportedly belongs to the teen’s stepfather, court records show.

Thomas allegedly admitted to presenting another firearm during the exchange and taking the revolver without paying, according to court documents.

During his court appearance, Judge Robert Lewis set Thomas’ total bail at $350,000.

He will be arraigned in this case Friday.