DNA evidence leads to three robbery suspectsby Chris BristolYakima Herald-Republic

YAKIMA, Wash. -- DNA evidence usually gets headlines in murder cases and sex crimes.

But the discovery of cigarettes butts at the scene of a robbery outside Toppenish last year illustrates the potential DNA has for becoming an everyday crime-fighting tool.

It took nine months for results, but now three people are in custody and a fourth is being sought.

"It's a little unusual," said Stew Graham, chief of detectives for the Yakima County Sheriff's Office. "We have a few more options nowadays."

The arrests stemmed from an incident in September that began at Legends Casino.

According to arrest affidavits, a 42-year-old Toppenish man told deputies he was approached inside the casino by two women about going somewhere for "a little fun."

The man said the trio left the casino and drove a few miles away to Becker Road. One of the women rode with him, directing him where to go, while the other followed in a maroon Jeep Cherokee.

The robbery occurred on a dirt lane off Becker when a small white car blocked the man's vehicle, which was boxed in by the Cherokee from behind. The man said he got out and was beaten and robbed by two men who had been waiting in the white car. They took his wallet and his money -- $47.

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DNA evidence leads to three robbery suspects