Armed Robbery Suspect Arrested In Mesa
February 24, 2008
On
February 24, 2008 at 11:35 p.m. 44-year-old Damon Wayne Miller
was arrested on suspicion of Armed Robbery. The robbery took
place that same evening at 5110 E. Southern Avenue in Mesa at
10:26 p.m.
The victim had just locked up his place of business while his
wife waited in their car. The victim was carrying a bag
containing an undisclosed amount cash. As the victim walked to
his vehicle a white minivan pulled up next to him. The suspect,
later identified as Damon Miller exited the driver's side of the
van and pointed a handgun at the victim. Miller demanded the bag
of money and the victim complied. Investigators received
information from the victim that there was a second
suspect/passenger inside of the minivan who was never identified
by investigators.
After taking the victim's money, Miller entered the suspect
vehicle and drove away. The victim contacted the police and the
Mesa Police Department Air Unit located the suspect vehicle
leaving a multi-housing complex at 5210 E. Hampton in Mesa, a
short distance away from the crime scene. Marked patrol units
responded to the area and attempted to initiate a traffic stop
on the suspect vehicle, but Miller failed to yield to officers.
The Air Unit continued to follow the suspect vehicle to 616 S.
96th Place, a residence located in a Maricopa County island in
East Mesa.
The Tactical Flight Officer in the Air Unit Witnessed Miller
exiting the vehicle and running towards the residence on 96th
Place. Several items fell from his person as he ran, including a
dark colored handgun. Officers responded to the residence and
located Miller hiding underneath the trailer. Miller had an
undisclosed amount of cash on his person. Miller was positively
identified as the suspect in the armed robbery. The handgun and
the cash were recovered and collected as evidence. Miller was
booked on suspicion of Armed Robbery. As of this writing, his
release and bond status are unknown.
Business owners are encouraged to take extra precautions when
leaving their place of business. Be sure that lighting
conditions are adquate at night and look for suspicious persons
or vehicles that are in the immediate area. Remember that the
individuals who commit these types of robberies are well aware
that business owners often leave with large quantities of money
at the end of their business day. If you see anything suspicious
around your business, stay inside and contact your local police
department.