Search continues for suspect who assaulted Kitsap Co gas station clerk; WMW tips help capture separate suspect

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UPDATE June 11, 2021 --

Detectives in Kitsap County are wrapping up the case of a violent attack on a gas station clerk north of Bremerton thanks to Washington's Most Wanted viewers, but they need a little more information.

Deputies are trying to identify the suspect who slammed a gas station employee against the wall and punched him repeatedly. It happened at an AM/PM in March.

The sheriff's office says they started getting tips immediately after this case first aired.

At that time, detectives were trying to identify the driver of a car seen inside the store getting beer and the man in the Arizona T-shirt.

Deputies say they have since identified both of men. Neither has been charged with a crime.

Investigators are still trying to identify the heavyset suspect who attacked the employee. He was wearing a black jacket and gray hoodie.

If you know his name, submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound by calling 1-800-222-TIPS or by download the P3 tips app to your smartphone. There is a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to his arrest.

As part of the investigation, detectives learned the same clerk had been attacked on August 1, 2020.

According to court documents, Jacob Sokimi (29) was in the store swearing a lot and using the N word. When the clerk asked him to stop using that word, detectives say Sokimi went behind the counter and punched the clerk in the jaw, knocking him unconscious.

He was identified thanks to tips, arrested and charged with second-degree assault.

Help Kitsap County deputies ID suspects after robbery at gas station

WANTED IN KITSAP COUNTY May 28, 2021 --

Sheriff's deputies in Kitsap County are looking for two suspects who slammed a clerk against a wall and punched them repeatedly during a robbery at an AM/PM store north of Bremerton.

It happened in early March, and detectives are turning to the public because they haven't been able to identify the men.

Deputies say the night started with a white Honda Civic with a black hood and faded paint job pulling into the gas station at about 11:15 p.m.

While the driver stayed at the pump, a passenger in the car went into the store. Deputies say he tried to lure the clerk away from the counter but it didn't work.

Detectives believe he is in his mid-20s, heavy set, with black, medium length hair pulled into a bun. He was wearing a black and red shirt with the state of Arizona logo on it.

The two of them left, but deputies say they came back just before 1 a.m.

The guy who was wearing the Arizona shirt put on a black jacket and gray hoodie, and this time he was able to get the clerk to come to the other side of the counter.

That's when the blitz attack happened. The suspect punched the clerk several times before running away.

Deputies say it was all to distract the clerk so the other guy could steal some beer.