Arrest made in Jordan's robbery

COEUR d’ALENE — A 20-year-old Coeur d’Alene man who reportedly ditched his robbery clothes after allegedly sticking up Jordan’s Grocery in Coeur d’Alene Wednesday is in jail on a $75,000 bond.

Christopher N. Guinasso, who is charged with felony burglary and robbery, said he couldn’t afford defense counsel and asked the court for a public defender. He is employed at McDonald’s, has a newborn, and attends college, he told Magistrate James Combo at his first appearance Friday.

Citing five petit thefts as a juvenile, two previous probation violations, felony convictions for burglary and grand theft, and his failure to appear in court for another case, prosecutors asked for a $100,000 bond.

In addition, Deputy Prosecutor Nina Fisk said she was concerned because Guinasso had used a firearm to hold up the 15th Street grocery store.

“He committed this crime using a deadly weapon,” Fisk said.

Combo cleared the record.

“It was a pellet gun,” he said. But the clerk at Jordan’s did not know it when the robbery occurred.

“It didn’t cause any less fear,” Combo said.

According to police, Guinasso wore a beanie, a mint-colored bandana, a hooded sweatshirt, athletic pants and Converse shoes when he pointed a long-barreled pellet gun at a grocery store clerk demanding money.

Surveillance footage marked the time after 9:05 p.m. The clerk told police Guinasso’s voice was “deep and panicky.”

The clerk raised her hands, headed to the cash register and turned over $589 to the masked man who, in his haste, dropped two, $20 bills and a $5 bill before quickly leaving the store.

Police used a tracking dog that led officers to the intersection of Harrison Avenue and 16th Street where officers found the black and gray beanie and a light green bandana worn by the robber in the video.

Using tips from relatives and others who saw Guinasso the day of the robbery, the 20-year-old was interviewed Thursday by Coeur d’Alene police and arrested.

Police found a backpack at a Coeur d’Alene home Guinasso frequents that contained some of the clothing the robber wore in the video, according to a report.

The pellet gun was not recovered.

Guinasso’s next court appearance, a probable cause hearing, will be scheduled within 14 days.