Houle jailed for attempted robbery

A Pablo man is accused of brandishing a firearm at a gas station in Pablo in an attempt to steal money. Josiah Michael Houle, 39, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court Jan. 25 to felony robbery.

According to charging documents, a man later identified as Houle entered the Quicksilver gas station on Jan. 10, went behind the counter and brandished a firearm at an employee. The suspect got the register to open by pressing the “no sale” button, and recovered cash before attempting to flee.

However, another patron punched Houle in the face and the two men got into a brief physical altercation. During the altercation, the firearm fell out of Houle’s waistband and he fled.

Employees of the gas station were able to identify Houle by his “unique gait,” as he was a former employee. The firearm turned out to be a BB gun that had been painted.

Law enforcement located Houle later that day and arrested him. He was already wanted on bail jumping charges and failure to appear.

Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher set a trial date of July 8. Houle remains in the Lake County Jail with bond totaling $90,635.