A man who led authorities on a chase from the Hood Canal bridge to near 7 Cedars Casino in March received a 300-month sentence in a plea bargain April 28.
Todd R. Prokasky, 47, of Sequim, robbed the Timberland Bank in Poulsbo March 18 by passing a note to the teller demanding money. He fled the scene immediately. A bank employee rushed to the front window to see what type of a vehicle he was driving and notified authorities. A Kitsap County Sheriff’s deputy noticed the vehicle on the bridge and a chase ensued where Prokasky generally stayed below the speed limits.
Officers from several law enforcement departments responded and stopped the vehicle with spike strips. The cash was found in the front seat next to Prokasky.
Officers said Prokasky took his time getting pulled over in order to call his parents and apologize for his actions.
Kitsap County prosecutors agreed not to include a California robbery conviction that likely would have been considered Prokasky’s “third strike.”
When a person is convicted of three serious criminal felonies, the three strikes law mandates the person receive a life sentence without parole. The Poulsbo robbery would have been Prokasky’s third strike had the deal not been struck.
Kitsap prosecutors indicated extensive litigation would have been needed to couple the San Francisco crime with Prokasky’s Washington crimes.
Prokasky also has convictions for drug possession. He will serve his time in a Washington prison.