A trio of South Whidbey residents is accused of hitting and pointing a can of Mace at a woman in order to steal her purse Feb. 6, according to court documents.

Garrett J. Edwards, 41, Michael W. Ball, 34, and Patricia I. Messina, 37, appeared in Island County Superior Court Monday.

Judge Christon Skinner found probable cause existed to believe they each committed the crime of robbery in the second degree.

Deputy Prosecutor Tamara Fundrella asked that Edwards be held on $50,000 bail. She pointed out that he has an extensive criminal history that includes six prior convictions for assault and two for eluding pursuing police vehicles. He pleaded guilty two weeks ago to possession of stolen property and was awaiting sentencing.

Skinner agreed and imposed the sentence.

In addition, he set Ball’s bail at $25,000 and released Messina on her own recognizance.

Langley police investigated the case. A woman reported that the three suspects were giving her a ride to a Saratoga Creek Lane location when they turned on her.

The woman said she was in the backseat when Edwards turned around and pointed a can of Mace at her, threatening to spray her if she didn’t hand over her purse, the officer’s report states.

The woman refused and Edwards attempted to take it from her by force. The woman resisted and wrestled the can of Mace from him; the other two occupants then started hitting her with their fists, the report alleges.

Edwards was eventually able to get the purse, and then he pulled the woman from the car, the report states. The victim said she had $800 in cash inside the purse.