Conversation starters
Most popular
Bonneville Seattle is raising funds for the construction of a second Fisher House at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Tacoma and we need your help.
Cristian C. Babalai, 29, is accused of robbing eight banks in Bothell, Monroe, Woodinville, Arlington, and Mill Creek over a four month period.
'Tour de Banks' robber pleads not guilty
on October 29, 2012 @ 3:18 pm (Updated: 5:04 pm - 10/29/12 )A Bothell man dubbed the "Tour de Banks" robber pleaded not guilty to eight counts of first-degree armed robbery Monday, according to the King County Prosecutor's Office.
Cristian C. Babalai, 29, is accused of robbing eight banks in Bothell, Monroe, Woodinville, Arlington, and Mill Creek over a four month period.
Prosecutors say he used a bicycle to case the banks and to flee the scene after each robbery, hence his nickname.
According to charging documents, Babalai netted tens of thousands of dollars during the heists to fuel a gambling addiction.
In some instances, prosecutors say he threatened to shoot bank tellers if they did not hand the cash over quickly.
He is being held on $2 million bail.
Brandi Kruse,
KIRO Radio Reporter
Brandi Kruse is a reporter for KIRO Radio who is as spontaneous and adventurous in her free time as she is on the job. Brandi arrived at KIRO Radio in March 2011 and has already collected three regional Edward R. Murrow awards for her reporting.
Brandi Kruse is a reporter for KIRO Radio who is as spontaneous and adventurous in her free time as she is on the job. Brandi arrived at KIRO Radio in March 2011 and has already collected three regional Edward R. Murrow awards for her reporting.
Top Stories
-
Heartstopping
Daredevils post breathtaking pictures atop Seattle landmarks -
Snowy Passes
Escape cold Seattle; go skiing at Crystal Mountain -
Dirty Wars
Director Jeremy Scahill says Obama hasn't been fighting a clean war
MyNorthwest.com - Purpose of Comments statement
Bonneville Media encourages site users to express their opinions by posting comments. Our goal is to maintain a civil dialogue in which readers feel comfortable. At times, the comments can descend to personal attacks. Please do not engage in such behavior. We encourage your thoughtful comments which: have a positive and constructive tone, are on topic, are respectful toward others and their opinions. Bonneville reserves the right to remove comments which do not conform to these criteria.
Bonneville Media encourages site users to express their opinions by posting comments. Our goal is to maintain a civil dialogue in which readers feel comfortable. At times, the comments can descend to personal attacks. Please do not engage in such behavior. We encourage your thoughtful comments which: have a positive and constructive tone, are on topic, are respectful toward others and their opinions. Bonneville reserves the right to remove comments which do not conform to these criteria.