A Centralia man accused of attacking a person and stealing their backpack and bike on Wednesday has been charged with robbery in Lewis County Superior Court.
The alleged victim reported he was sitting on a walking trail at the end of Main Street near the intersection with Harrison Avenue when he saw the defendant, Daniel J. Alvarado, 34, approach.
Before the victim could leave, Alvarado allegedly “began to hit and kick him on the head” and ordered the victim to give Alvarado his backpack, which the victim did, according to court documents.
Alvarado then allegedly stole the victim’s BMX bike and fled the scene.
An officer with the Centralia Police Department responded to the reported assault at the intersection of Harrison Avenue and West Main Street just before 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
The responding officer “observed signs that (the victim) had been in a physical struggle and documented them,” according to court documents.
Officers soon found Alvarado in a shed at his residence, noting “he appeared out of breath and had sweat beading on his forehead.”
When asked if he had any bikes inside the shed, Alvarado reportedly showed officers a bike that matched the description of the one taken from the victim.
“Alvarado initially said a friend gave him the bike, but when asked who, he couldn’t provide a name after looking through his phone,” according to court documents.
Officers then asked where the backpack was and Alvarado provided them with the backpack from inside the shed.
“Alvarado then said that (the victim) had given him the bike a few days ago in exchange for drugs,” according to court documents.
Alvarado reportedly told the officers he and the victim had been arguing over a woman they had both dated, according to court documents.
Alvarado was arrested and, during a search, officers reportedly located “a small baggie that contained a crystalline substance that appeared to be methamphetamine.”
He was booked into the Lewis County Jail at 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 7 and has since been charged with one count each of second-degree robbery and possession of methamphetamine.
Based on the “violent nature of the offense” and Alvarado’s warrant history, Deputy Prosecutor Brad Meagher asked Judge J. Andrew Toynbee to set Alvarado’s bail at $75,000 on Thursday.
Defense Attorney Rachael Tiller asked Toynbee to set bail no higher than $10,000 based on the age of Alvarado’s criminal history and Alvarado’s financial situation.
Toynbee determined high bail was appropriate based on Alvarado’s warrant history within the past five years and set Alvarado’s bail slightly below Meagher’s request at $50,000.
Alvarado’s next court appearance is an arraignment hearing scheduled for Sept. 15.
