MFPD arrests armed robbery suspect

By Terry Murry on Wednesday, July 19th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

MILTON-FREEWATER – Milton-Freewater police have arrested a suspect in an armed robbery at the Subway on South Main Street that occurred June 30. Chief Joe Shurtz credited detectives with a thorough investigation that resulted in developing a single suspect.

That suspect was identified as Robert Leroy Dawson, 43. Shurtz stated that Dawson had outstanding warrants from Washington as well as being a suspect in the armed robbery.

This morning (Wednesday) Dawson was taken into custody on those outstanding warrants. He was interviewed by Detective James Farr and Detective Jesse Myer. Dawson was then transported to the Umatilla County Jail.

In addition to the warrants, Dawson is facing charges connected to the Subway incident. One of those charges is first-degree robbery, which is a Measure 11 offense carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of 90 months. Shurtz said the case has been forwarded to the Umatilla County District Attorney’s Office and issued a reminder that arrested persons are innocent until proven guilty.