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PD: Witness chases down, disarms South Phoenix armed robbery suspect

Reynaldo Garcia.jpg
Posted at 11:50 AM, Apr 08, 2019
and last updated 2019-04-08 16:42:00-04

PHOENIX — A witness chases down and disarms an armed robber wearing body armor, after the theft of a South Phoenix store.

Phoenix police report that on March 22 a man, later identified as Reynaldo Garcia, entered a store near 16th Street and Southern Avenue and demanded money from the clerk.

Garcia allegedly hit the clerk with the gun, when she refused to give him the money. He then reportedly pointed the gun at the clerk and demanding the money again, this time firing a shot into the wall.

When Garcia left the store a witness chased him down. Garcia allegedly pointed the gun at the witness as well, however, during the physical struggle the witness was able to wrestle the gun away from Garcia.

Police say during the fight Garcia bit the witness on the arm and hand.

Garcia ran from the witness but was caught by police nearby.

Police say Garcia was wearing body armor during the robbery. He was identified by fingerprints which showed him to be a twice-convicted felon who served seven years in prison.

Garcia has been charged with armed robbery, weapons misconduct, and several counts of aggravated assault.