UPDATE: Taiwan Woods’ case was dismissed without prejudice Nov. 14 in Clark County Superior Court — meaning the case could be re-filed at a later date — for additional investigation, court records show.
Martin L. Bautista Vicencio’s case was dismissed with prejudice Nov. 16 in Clark County Superior Court — meaning the case cannot be re-filed, because he pleaded guilty and was sentenced in juvenile court.
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A 20-year-old and two teenagers appeared in Clark County Superior Court on Wednesday on suspicion of robbing someone of their shoes at knifepoint the day before.
According to a police officer’s probable cause statement filed with court records, Adam Carlson was waiting at a C-Tran bus stop Tuesday when, around 3:15 p.m., three young men approached him.
He later identified the three as Ernesto Armentilla-Abarca, 20; Taiwan Woods, 17; and Martin Bautista Vicencio, 16, all of Vancouver.
Carlson told police Armentilla-Abarca pulled out a small pocket knife then held it three inches from Carlson’s stomach, and threatened to kill Carlson if he didn’t hand over his shoes.
The other two stood at Armentilla-Abarca’s sides, about a foot or two away, Carlson told police.
Carlson said he feared for his life, so he gave up his shoes. After he handed the shoes to Armentilla-Abarca, the three fled on foot through a parking lot and into Vancouver Mall, according to court records.
Officers caught up with and arrested the three in the mall shortly after. Carlson then identified them, according to court records. Police said Carlson was unharmed.
When questioned, Woods said he was with Armentilla-Abarca at the time, according to court records, and that he heard Armentilla-Abarca demand the shoes.
The other two did not provide usable statements, according to court records.
The two minors were taken to the county Juvenile Justice Center, and Armentilla-Abarca to the county jail.
All three are being held on suspicion of first-degree robbery.
For violent crimes, including robbery, state law mandates accused 16- or 17-year-olds be tried as adults.
Woods’ bail was set at $100,000; Bautista Vicencio’s at $150,000; and Armentilla-Abarca’s at $200,000.
Their next court date, where they may be formally charged, was set for Oct. 26.
