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Avondale man arrested for pharmacy robberies, neighbors react to arrest of Justin Fernandez

Posted at 10:14 PM, Jun 29, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-01 02:07:11-04

An Avondale man is behind bars, accused of a series of robberies across the Valley.

Justin Fernandez was arrested by Phoenix police near 39th Avenue and Camelback Road.

Multiple sources say Fernandez is linked to at least pharmacy robberies.

Police say he would walk in wearing a helmet and or surgical mask and demand diabetic test strips. He would then sell them on the streets. 

Investigators raided his Avondale home Tuesday looking for evidence. 

“I’m surprised, but I’m not the guy that will stand here and say I would ever befriend him. He use to leave his house two or three times a day on his scooter. That much have been where he was going,” said neighbor Chris Bennett.

In some cases, Fernandez was armed. Phoenix police would not confirm any details on the case.

Multiple sources tell ABC15 that Fernandez is married to a Peoria Police Department employee. The Peoria Police Department said the the suspect's wife has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation. Officials said there is no evidence to indicate that she was involved the crimes and that she is cooperating with the investigation.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is also involved. They have yet to get back to ABC15.