WALLA WALLA -- A criminal case against a man accused of trying to rob a local grocery store early last year has been dismissed in Walla Walla County Superior Court.
Joseph W. Noblitt -- who reportedly suffers from schizophrenia -- had been charged with second-degree attempted robbery, felony harassment and fourth-degree assault. But the charges were dismissed Friday by Judge Donald W. Schacht because Noblitt had complied with provisions of an agreement he entered into with the county Prosecuting Attorney's Office last fall.
Terms of the agreement included requirements that Noblitt maintain a mental health treatment program and not violate any laws.
His attorney, Janelle Carman, wrote in a recently filed court document that "Mr. Noblitt has gone above and beyond in his compliance with all the requirements."
After his arrest in January 2010, Noblitt, now 28, underwent a mental evaluation by experts from Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake who found him competent to stand trial. He then was released to live at his parents' residence in Bellevue pending further court proceedings.
Carman said in court at the time that Noblitt suffers from schizophrenia.
