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PD: Man robs Mesa market with Taser

PD: Man robs Mesa market with Taser
Posted at 1:18 PM, Jul 26, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-26 16:18:09-04

Authorities say a Mesa man allegedly threatened store employees with a Taser during a robbery.

Mesa police report that on July 21 they arrested 47-year-old Robert Benjamin Sonoqui, for a theft that occurred a couple of weeks prior. 

Police say Sonoqui entered the Ranch Market near Stapley Drive and Southern Avenue and pulled toothpaste, deodorant and a soda from the shelves. He then allegedly put the items in his pocket and left the store. 

A store employee reportedly followed Sonoqui outside where he saw him put the items into a black bag. 

Another store employee and a manager joined him and confronted Sonoqui outside the store. Sonoqui then reportedly threatened them by pulling a Taser from his pocket.

Police say surveillance video confirmed the employee's report. 

An image of Sonoqui was sent to officers in the department, court documents said. Several officers who had prior encounters with the suspect identified him as Sonoqui.

Upon his arrest, Sonoqui was found with the Taser and two sticks of deodorant in a black bag. 

He has been charged with robbery.