LAKEPORT, Calif. – A local man arrested last week following an armed robbery attempt at a Lakeport business made his first court appearance Monday, and authorities believe he also was the armed suspect seen at the same location in January.

Lonny Teter, 68, of Lakeport was arraigned Monday afternoon in Lake County Superior Court, according to Chief Deputy District Attorney Richard Hinchcliff.

Hinchcliff said Teter is facing charges for two attempted robberies as well as gun-related counts. His bail was raised to $200,000 at the Monday court appearance.

Teter was arrested last Thursday, Feb. 21, after he allegedly attempted to rob Premier Flooring at gunpoint, according to Hinchcliff.

According to the investigative report, Teter entered the store, located in the small shopping center at 2570 S. Main St., and pulled a gun on one of the owners.

Hinchcliff said the woman's husband and co-owner saw what was going on and hit Teter with some flooring boards before wrestling with him for the gun.

An employee at UCC Rentals next door saw what was going on and came to help subdue Teter and take away the gun, Hinchcliff said.

At the scene Teter made comments to law enforcement that led them to believe that he may have been trying to attempt “suicide by cop” – in other words, hoping he would be shot – according to Hinchcliff.

Teter also is being charged with robbery in connection with an incident at the Sears store, located in the same shopping center, on Jan. 31, Hinchcliff said.

On that evening, store employees reported seeing behind the store a male subject with white hair, wearing all dark camouflage clothing and a nylon stocking over his face, and armed with a revolver, as Lake County News has reported. The suspect was alleged to have pointed the gun at one of the employees.

Sheriff's deputies, who arrived minutes later following an employee's 911 call, scoured the area but were unable to locate the suspect at that time.

Officials said they didn't believe the incident was connected to the January murder of Forrest Seagrave, who died after being shot during an armed robbery in Kelseyville.

Hinchcliff said defense attorney Thomas Quinn was appointed to represent Teter, who will be back in court March 5 for appearance of counsel.

At the time of charging the District Attorney's Office was unable to obtain a complete criminal history on Teter, so they are not aware of any previous criminal cases, Hinchcliff said.

Teter remains in custody at the Lake County Jail.

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