Police search for suspects in 9 Tempe armed robberies

TEMPE, AZ - Tempe police are asking for the public's help identifying and locating suspects involved in a series of armed robberies in the northwest part of the city.

Authorities said in a news release there have been nine incidents in Tempe since April 11, with the last occurring on July 21.

Police said typically a group of up to four suspects has approached the victims as they walked in a parking lot or along a street. In some cases they have asked the victims a question such as whether they were an ASU student or if they could borrow their phone.

Joe Mottola, a college student, said "I don't feel that safe" when talking about the robberies that occurred in the downtown Tempe area.

After getting the victim's attention the suspects point a handgun at the victim and take items such as a purse or wallet, cell phone, cash, and credit cards.

"I don't think that's right at all, it's wrong," John Blandchard, a man who lives in the area where the victims were robbed.

The incidents occurred at the following locations:

McKemy and Howe streets
1200 S. Ash Avenue
700 W. 5th Street
400 W. 5th Street
McKemy and 5th streets
200 S. Roosevelt Drive
Roosevelt Drive and 5th Street
200 W. 5th Street
700 S. Mill Avenue

Police remind residents and visitors to Tempe to be mindful of their surroundings to lower their chances of becoming a victim. They suggest avoiding or limiting distractions such as listening to portable music players, if out late at night to travel in a group whenever possible, to keep a charged cell phone turned on and ready to use in the event of an emergency, and trust your instincts if something is not right and call police immediately.

Anyone with information regarding the robberies is urged to call the Tempe Police Department at 480-350-8311or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.