A customer tried to disarm a man armed with a shotgun before he robbed a North Phoenix Winco store.
Court records show that on May 16, an armed man robbed the Winco store after scuffling with a customer who tried to wrestle away the gun. The suspect then fled on a bicycle.
Police report that 18-year-old Roy Walter Beck walked into the Winco store near 3rd Avenue and Bell Road, armed with a shotgun. He was confronted by a customer who was leaving the store. The customer tried to wrestle the gun away from him but Beck maintained control, racked the shotgun, and pointed it at the customer.
Police say Beck then went to a register, pointed the gun at the clerk and ordered her to open the register.
Beck took the money and fled the store on a bicycle.
Police found Beck in a nearby neighborhood, riding a bicycle with a gun case on the handlebars.
Beck was arrested without incident. The gun was found in a bush about a block away and the money was found in his pocket.
Beck reportedly told investigators that he was "struggling financially" and needed the money. He also said he took the shotgun and the bicycle from his roommate.
Beck is facing charges of aggravated assault, armed robbery and kidnapping.
