3 arrested in Valley fast food robberies

TEMPE, AZ - Three men have been arrested for their alleged involvement in a string of robberies that targeted fast food restaurants in Phoenix and in Tempe last fall, according to Tempe police Monday.

Molly Enright with the Tempe Police Department said the aggressive robberies were committed from September through October 2011.

Tony Tucker , 40, Christopher Kimball, 20, and Vincent Nitura, 20, were arrested and booked into the Tempe City Jail.

In at least seven incidents, Enright said one or more of the suspects would arrive at the business, typically around opening or closing time. 

The suspects would then reportedly use threats and force to direct the victims to the back of the store while pointing a firearm at them.

They would then demand cash and flee the scene, Enright said.

Enright said Tucker is believed to be the shooter who robbed the victims, fired multiple shots, and left the scene in a white van during a robbery on the morning of November 7 at Priest and Baseline Road.

The seven reported incidents occurred at the following locations:

• Sept 15, 2011 – 2000 Block of W. Baseline Rd., Tempe
• Oct 2, 2011 – 4000 Block of E. Ray Rd., Phoenix
• Oct 4, 2011 – 800 Block of W. Baseline Rd., Tempe
• Oct 7, 2011 – 800 Block of W. Broadway Rd., Tempe
• Oct 10, 2011 – 2400 Block of E. Baseline, Phoenix
• Oct 17, 2011 – 1400 Block of W. Baseline, Tempe
• Nov 7, 2011 – 3000 Block of 48 ^th Street, Tempe

Tucker was arrested on Friday.  He is being charged with the following crimes, in addition to arrest for a Felony Warrant out of the State of California:

• 6 counts of Armed Robbery, a class 2 Felony
• 11 counts of Kidnapping, a class 2 Felony
• 12 counts of Aggravated Assault, a class 3 Felony
• 1 count of Attempted Sexual Assault, a class 3 Felony
• 3 counts of Disorderly Conduct/Unlawful Discharge, a class 6 Felony
• 1 count of Attempted Armed Robbery, a Class 3 Felony

Christopher Kimball was arrested on Thursday.  He is being charged with the following crimes:  

• 4 counts of Armed Robbery, a class 2 Felony
• 4 counts of Kidnapping, a class 2 Felony
• 4 counts of Aggravated Assault, a class 3 Felony  

Vincent Nitura was arrested on Friday.  He is being charged with the following crimes:

• 3 counts of Armed Robbery, a class 2 Felony
• 3  counts of Kidnapping, a class 2 Felony
• 3  counts of Aggravated Assault, a class 3 Felony