MEDIA RELEASE

Tempe & Mesa Police Joint Investigation; Arrest Armed Robbery Suspect

From Tempe PD, October 4, 2012 - Tempe Police Department's Criminal Apprehension Surveillance Team (CAST) have arrested a suspect involved in a string of armed robberies being jointly investigated by Tempe and Mesa Police.

On September 30, 2012, Gabriel Bedoy (29) was placed under arrest after detectives from the Tempe Police Department and Mesa Police Department began a joint investigation into the robberies, which occurred over a four day span between September 24 and September 28, 2012 at the following locations:

• Subway located at Alma School and University in Mesa (09/24/12)
• Shell Gas station located at 2180 E Broadway in Tempe (09/25/12)
• Little Caesar's located at 1151 W University in Mesa (09/27/12)
• Subway located at 1332 S Country Club in Mesa (09/28/12)
• 7-11 convenience store located at 1310 W Broadway in Tempe (09/28/12)
• Little Caesar's located at 711 E Broadway in Tempe (09/28/12)

Suspect Gabriel Bedoy committed these robberies by entering the business with a semi-automatic handgun and forcing the clerks to give him money. At each incident, Bedoy fled the scene in the suspect vehicle. Evidence obtained from one of the robbery locations was used to help identify Bedoy as a suspect in the crimes.

Both Tempe and Mesa are partner agencies of the East Valley Fusion Center.  Crime Analysts from Tempe Police Department's Criminal Intelligence Center and detectives from the Tempe and Mesa Police Departments all worked together to gather information on the suspect.

The suspect was located by the Tempe Police Department Criminal Apprehension Surveillance Team (CAST) in the area of Longmore and Southern in Mesa, driving the same vehicle used to commit the robberies. He admitted his involvement in the crimes during interviews with detectives.

Tempe Police Chief Tom Ryff stated, "This successful joint investigation between Tempe and Mesa Police Departments exemplifies the importance and effectiveness of strong law enforcement partnerships. Wherever the crime is committed, wherever the suspects flee -- police are working together, linked by technology, affiliation and the determination to locate, arrest and hold criminals accountable. Chief Milstead and I remain committed to sharing information and resources to fight crime in our communities and keep them safe."

The suspect was booked into the Tempe City Jail and is currently facing felony charges of armed robbery and aggravated assault.