This afternoon, just after 2:30 p.m., deputies responded to the BBVA Compass Bank located at 7645 North La Cholla Boulevard for a report of an armed robbery. Upon arrival, deputies learned a Caucasian male suspect entered the bank and demanded money while holding up a bag he claimed to contain explosives. After the suspect received the money, he dropped the bag, exited the bank, and began walking towards the Foothills Mall.
Deputies spotted the suspect walking in front of the Buy Buy Baby store and proceeded to make contact. He held up a second bag towards the deputies and claimed it contained explosives as well. As the deputies were attempting to de-escalate the situation, the suspect threw the bag towards the store and then got down on the ground. Deputies quickly detained the suspect and closed off the area surrounding the store. Both the Buy Buy Baby store and BBVA Compass Bank were evacuated.
The Pima Regional Bomb Squad responded and determined one bag contained a hoax device and one bag was empty. Robbery/Assault detectives also responded and took over the investigation. The suspect, identified as 66-year-old David Allen Markillie, was transported to the Pima County Adult Detention Complex where he was booked for six counts of Aggravated Assault and one count of Armed Robbery. Federal charges against Mr. Markillie are pending. This investigation is ongoing.