Yavapai County Deputy Arrives In Time To Save Robbery Victim

Yavapai County Sheriff’s deputies arrived just in time after they were dispatched to a residential burglary in the 34000 Bertha Street, Black Canyon City, on August 27, at around 7:30 a.m.

When the first deputy arrived, he heard someone yelling inside the home and as he entered the residence, he saw a person dressed in all black on top of an older adult man. The deputy rushed in and removed the apparent suspect, 24-year-old Michael Chavez-Watsula, off the 70-year-old victim.

Chavez-Watsula, wearing a ski mask underneath a black hoody jacket and black gloves, was restrained by the deputy and handcuffed. The victim told the deputy a large knife brandished by Chavez-Watsula was laying nearby.

During a pat-down search of Chavez-Watsula, the deputy located a knife sheath, 4 zip ties, sunglasses that had the lens’ covered in duct tape, and rubber gloves.

Deputies found several power tools on the property apparently removed from the victim’s garage by Chavez-Watsula.

The victim was treated by fire personnel and suffered some bruising during the assault.

The victim told deputies that earlier in the morning he awoke to find a door to his garage, normally closed, was open. He noticed shoeprints nearby and followed them to the northwest corner of his property where he saw several of his power tools thrown over the fence. At this point, he called 911 to report a burglary and returned to his home. A few moments later, as he exited the bathroom, he was confronted Chavez-Watsula brandishing the large knife.

Chavez-Watsula told the victim he was being robbed and ordered him into the bedroom. The victim refused and began struggling with Chavez-Watsula over the knife and fought in the hallway until Chavez-Watsula was able to get on top of him. It was at this time, the deputy arrived and subdued Chavez-Watsula.

Chavez-Watsula lives near the victim’s home and admitted his intent to steal property, and get cash from the victim. He planned on tying up the victim with zip ties and placing the glasses with duct tape over the lens’ on the victim so he could not see.

Chavez-Watsula was booked into the Camp Verde Detention Center on charges including Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault, Burglary and Theft. He remains in-custody on a $150,000 bond.

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