By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter
A 22-year-old man accused of attempting to rob a Plainville gas station at knifepoint was arraigned last week on multiple felony charges and later released after posting $500 cash bail, according to court records and police.
Ryan Cote was arraigned Thursday, May 7, in Wrentham District Court following a week-long investigation by the Plainville Police Department into the May 1 incident at the Mobil Gas Station on Route 1.
According to court records, Cote pleaded not guilty to all charges. Bail was set at $5,000 bond with $500 cash, which records show was later posted. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for June 25 at 8:30 a.m.
Court records show Cote is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, use of a motor vehicle in connection with a felony or larceny, and attempt to commit a crime, all connected to the alleged attempted robbery.
Police said officers responded to the gas station at approximately 7:28 p.m. on May 1 for a report of an attempted armed robbery involving a knife.
According to a May 6 press release, detectives assigned to the Police Department’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation spent the following days conducting area canvasses, interviews and reviewing surveillance footage from the business and surrounding area.
“Through those investigative efforts, detectives gathered additional information that led to the identification of the suspect vehicle involved in the incident,” police said in the release.
Plainville Police said detectives located the vehicle the morning of May 6. It was subsequently stopped by North Attleborough Police at approximately 10:21 a.m.
Investigators recovered several items believed to be connected to the alleged attempted robbery, including the weapon believed was used during the incident.
Separate court records filed in Attleboro District Court show Cote was also charged May 6 with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in North Attleborough.
Those charges were ordered dismissed upon payment of court fees or completion of community service, according to court documents. A continuation date related to payment or community service compliance was scheduled for June 5.
According to court filings, attorney Michael Stapleton of Canton was appointed to represent Cote as an indigent defendant. Police said the investigation remains active, and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Plainville Police Department.