Thomas ordered to go on trial for attempted holdup of jackpot winners at La Crosse bar

A La Crosse man will be scheduled for trial on charges of attempting to rob a couple who had won money at a local bar, and for injuring other people during a fight.

Samuel Thomas is accused of pointing a BB gun at the couple and demanding money from them, after they won $4,300 in an April drawing at Cheap Andy’s bar on South Avenue in La Crosse.

After hearing testimony from a La Crosse police investigator, Judge Gloria Doyle in court Monday found probable cause to try Thomas for attempted armed robbery and substantial battery.

Onlookers tried to intervene during the ordeal. Three three men were hurt while trying to capture Thomas, including one of the intended robbery victims, who had offered Thomas $50 of the prize money.

Thomas got away but was later arrested at a house.