'Jeepers Bandits': Suspects in smoke shop armed robberies arrested in Arizona
02/19/2021 12:48 pm PST
PHOENIX (TCD) --
Three men in their 20s were arrested by the FBI in Arizona for their alleged involvement in a string of armed robberies.
The FBI said in a statement February 12 they named the suspects the "Jeepers Bandits" because of "their appearance and attire which is similar to Shaggy Rogers from Scooby-Doo who frequently said 'jeepers.'"
The FBI said the suspects targeted smoke shops in the Phoenix and Glendale areas since November 27, 2020, and also allegedly robbed a Cold Stone Creamery. The most recent robbery occurred December 4, 2020. They're suspected of six robberies overall.
Can you help us identify the "Jeepers Bandits"? These four men allegedly committed six armed robberies in Phoenix and Glendale, Arizona since November 27, 2020. Tips: 623-466-1999 or Silent Witness 480-WITNESS. More: https://t.co/GQ3tHBX5q2 pic.twitter.com/9mTuGhctRw
— FBI Phoenix (@FBIPhoenix) February 13, 2021 @FBIPhoenix
The FBI said the Jeepers Bandits went into stores "acting as if they are customers." Once other customers left, "Two of the subjects pull out guns and point them at employees. The suspects demand money be placed into a bag, then they leave." Authorities said no one was injured in any of the robberies.
On Thursday, the FBI identified three of four Jeepers Bandits suspects: Noel Aragon, 22; Dakotah Jones, 20; and Justin Krause, 20. They were booked in Maricopa County, Ariz., on February 17. A fourth suspect, Ryan Riesgo, was arrested Thursday.
According to KSAZ-TV, Jones turned himself in on February 16 and admitted his involvement in four of six burglaries. Jones reportedly named Aragon as the other armed suspect, Krause as the getaway driver, and Riesgo as a location scout. Jones claimed he used a pellet gun on victims.
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