Olympia Armed Robbery: Man Arrested with Realistic Gun Lighter

Olympia Convenience Store Robbed with Realistic Butane Lighter

A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of armed robbery at a convenience store in Olympia, Washington, overnight Friday, according to Olympia police.

Police were dispatched to the store in the 3200 block of Pacific Avenue Southeast around 1 a.m. On Friday. Upon arrival, officers spoke with an employee who reported that a suspect had entered the store and brandished what appeared to be a handgun. The suspect then demanded money from the cash register, according to police Lt. Paul Lower.

The employee complied with the demand, handing over an undisclosed amount of money. The suspect then fled the scene. The employee provided a description of the suspect to responding officers.

Police located the suspect approximately half a mile from the store, at the intersection of Martin Way East and Pattison Street, and took him into custody. During the arrest, officers discovered the “weapon” used in the robbery was, in fact, a butane lighter designed to resemble a handgun.

“If you were unfamiliar with handguns, you wouldn’t know the difference,” Lt. Lower said, describing the realism of the lighter.

Officers also recovered roughly $1,000 in cash from the suspect, finding the money concealed in his shoes, and pockets.

The man was booked into the Thurston County jail on suspicion of armed robbery while armed with a deadly weapon and obstructing law enforcement.

This story was originally published February 17, 2026 at 11:46 AM.