OLYMPIA, Wash. – A man who took an employee hostage Jan. 25 at TwinStar CU in Centralia and threatened her life was convicted of first-degree burglary, kidnapping and attempted robbery based on DNA evidence he left at the scene.
Michael Lar, 57, could face life in prison without the chance of parole when he is sentenced tomorrow because of two prior bank robbery convictions in federal court. He is a suspect in at least three other robberies. He also has convictions for bank robberies in Olympia and Tumwater.
DNA found on a blood-stained piece of glass outside the credit union where Lar entered through a window linked him to the scene.
He took an employee hostage with a knife and pellet gun after breaking into the credit union. When police arrived, an officer pulled the employee away and fired two shots at Lar.
Lar told investigators he jumped out a window and hid in nearby bushes for 12 hours while police surrounded the building, thinking he was inside. Lar later was able to make it to Olympia after hailing a taxi in Centralia.
