Man arrested in string of Tucson robberies

Sharod Austin, age 25, has been arrested in relation to several Tucson area robbery incidents. He was charged with two counts of Robbery, two counts of Aggravated Assault, two counts of Armed Robbery, one count of Attempted Armed Robbery, and one count of Escape in the Second Degree, on Monday.

On the afternoon of July 17, 2013, allegedly Austin approached the teller counter of the Compass Bank located inside the Albertson’s grocery store at 6363 East 22nd Street. The male presented a note to the teller, which demanded money and threatened harm. After receiving an undisclosed amount of money, Austin fled from the bank and grocery store.

Responding officers obtained information, which indicated that the suspect of the bank robbery had traveled to the 5300 block of East Baker Street. Officers went to that area and located Austin.

Detectives from the Robbery Unit responded as well to further the investigation regarding the bank robbery incident that occurred at the Compass Bank location. During the course of their investigation, the detectives determined that the same person was responsible for the bank robbery incident that occurred at the US Bank location on June 28, 2013. In addition, they also discovered that he was the same suspect, who had committed other robbery offenses on June 28, 2013 and June 29, 2013. Austin was also determined to be responsible for an armed robbery incident that occurred at a Dairy Queen located at 5762 East 22nd Street on June 28, 2013 and an attempted armed robbery incident that occurred at the Coffee Exchange located at 2443 North Campbell Avenue as well as an armed robbery incident that occurred at the Wienerschnitzel located at 5765 East Broadway Boulevard. The incidents at the Coffee Exchange and Wienerschnitzel both occurred on June 29, 2013. No one was injured during the course of any of the robbery incidents.

After Austin was initially apprehended and detained in handcuffs, he made an attempt to run from the officers. They immediately gave chase and were able to capture him again very quickly. Unfortunately, one of the officers was injured while working to detain Austin a second time. The officer suffered a broken ankle.

Detectives continue working to determine if Austin was responsible for any other robbery or additional criminal offenses in the Tucson area.

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