Suspected armed robber, Justin Risner, falls asleep in homeowner's backyard

PHOENIX - Police arrested a suspected armed robber after he fell asleep in the backyard of a Valley home Sunday.

Police arrested Justin Risner at a home near 35th Avenue and Peoria. The homeowner called police after he came outside and found Risner asleep in his yard.

“I saw him jump the fence and I was thinking what the heck is he doing here,” said neighbor David Briggs. 

Briggs said he came outside to let his dogs out when they started to bark. When he looked around the corner he saw the suspect run through his yard and down the street. Police were able to arrest him before he left the neighborhood.

Police said Risner held up two businesses at gunpoint before ditching his car and hiding in the backyard.

The first business was a Circle K near 7th Avenue and 101. The second business was an AM/PM near 35th Avenue and Peoria.

Police were able to find the car, gun, and money they say were connected to the armed robbery.