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PHOENIX - Authorities are asking for the public's help in identifying three suspects involved in an armed robbery that occurred nearly a year ago.
The incident took place on July 11, 2024, around 11 p.m. at AJ's Smoke Shop located near 83rd Avenue and McDowell Road.
What we know:
Phoenix Police Detective Mike Fisher described the surveillance video of the robbery, stating that three suspects entered the store.
One suspect immediately went behind the counter, filling bags with merchandise, likely smoke-related items such as vapes and cigarettes. Another suspect was seen pointing a gun at a customer, forcing the individual to their knees and taking their cell phone and other property.
"You can imagine how traumatic this was," Fisher said, noting the suspects "went in there with a plan."
Remain calm and don't interfere
Fisher emphasized the danger posed by the suspects, stating, "It's possible that they're still out there committing these crimes. And as you can see, they're dangerous. Luckily, no one got hurt."
He advised that during such incidents, customers and employees should remain calm and not interfere with the robbers' plan to avoid injury.
"These people already have a plan and don't mess up their plan because they could shoot someone, they could stab someone. Someone can get injured," Fisher warned. "All we need here is basically just to be calm, employees and customers.. and let them do what they were there to do. Let them get away with this stuff, we'll catch them. But we need the public's help."
Despite the passage of almost a year, investigators have not made any arrests in the case.
"A lot of times people assume that it's been a year already, they made an arrest. Well, in this case it's not the case," Fisher said. He hopes someone might recognize the suspects from the video, even with their faces covered, by their mannerisms, how they walk, or how they run."
Suspect descriptions
- Suspect 1: Black male, black pants with white stripes, white shoes, black sweatshirt and blue gloves
- Suspect 2: Black male, black pants, black sweatshirt
- Suspect 3: Black male, 5’9" 180 lbs. wearing black pants and sweatshirt with brown boots
What you can do:
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (480-948-6377). A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for tips that lead to an arrest.
Map of the crime scene area