News

Actions

PD: Man arrested for several knife-point robberies along light rail routes

PD: Man arrested for several knife-point robberies along light rail routes
Posted at 2:24 PM, Jun 08, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-08 18:03:32-04

A man is behind bars in connection with four armed robberies at multiple light rail stops across the Valley.

On June 2, Glendale police arrested a Bryce Williard Smith, 50, who is accused of using a box cutter or knife to rob several people in a 15 day period.  

Police say on April 1  Smith approached a 59-year-old woman, near 7th Street and Indian School Road, grabbed her purse and threatened her with a box cutter. He then allegedly used the box cutter to cut the purse strap and the victim before taking off with her purse.

On April 3, he reportedly struck again but this time following a 70-year-old woman to her home where pushed her inside while threatening her with a knife. When the woman resisted, he fled the home but grabbed her purse on the way out.

A week later, police say Smith attacked 64-year-old man riding his bicycle near 39th Avenue and Camelback Road. Smith allegedly pushed the man to the ground, stuck a knife in his face and robbed him.

Five days later Smith attacked the same victim, threatening him with a knife and telling him, "He was going to rob him every time he saw him."

Police developed information linking Smith to the crimes, and the victims were able to identify him from a photo lineup.

Police say all the attacks occurred at or near public transportation sites, which Smith admitted using on a daily basis.

He has been charged with multiple counts of armed robbery and aggravated assault.