An 18-year-old Oak Harbor man accused of robbing a convenience store at gunpoint in February is back in jail.
Chance Gill was released from jail after his bail was posted March 25. But he violated the conditions of his release by sneaking into the Element nightclub in downtown Oak Harbor and allegedly threatening to shoot the bouncers who kicked him out, court documents indicate.
Prosecutors charged Gill in Island County Superior Court March 2 with robbery in the first degree. He could face more than three years in prison if convicted of the charge.
He’s accused of robbing the DK Market Feb. 15. He allegedly wore a hooded sweatshirt and white-rimmed sunglasses while armed with a handgun. He got away with cash, a carton of cigarettes and a Monster energy drink, police reports allege.
Gill was arrested a couple of weeks later after his mother told police that she had found a gun, sunglasses and a backpack that she believed connected her son with the robbery.
Superior Court Judge Alan Hancock originally set his bail at $100,000 during a Feb. 29 hearing. Gill’s attorney, Craig Platt of Coupeville, argued during a March 12 hearing that the bail should be reduced. He said the young man has a strong network of family members in the community, a history of community service and an exemplary school record.
Hancock agreed to reduce Gill’s bail to $25,000, but set conditions of release that prohibited him from drinking alcohol or breaking the law.
On April 21, Oak Harbor police responded to a report of an underage male at the Element. The bouncers said another man let Gill into the nightclub through a side door. The employees caught Gill and got a copy of his ID before escorting him out. Gill allegedly threatened to return “with heat” and “smoke” the bouncers. He pointed his finger at the employees and gestured like he was shooting a gun, according to a police report on the incident.
Gill’s friend, who he met at AA, admitted to letting him into the Element and that he saw him drinking.
In response, Deputy Prosecutor David Carman asked the judge to increase Gill’s bail during an April 30 hearing. Hancock agreed and set it at $200,000.
