Pima County liquor robbers punch, throw garbage can

On May 7, 2014, at approximately 12:10 p.m., Pima County deputies responded to the Safeway, located at 2940 W. Valencia Road, reference a fight in progress. When deputies arrived, they learned two suspects entered the store and filled a shopping cart with multiple bottles of liquor.

Both suspects attempted to leave the store with the cart full of liquor, without paying. When the suspects were confronted by a Safeway employee, they tried to punch the victim and threw a garbage can at him. Store employees were able to detain one suspect, but the other fled from the scene. The male who was detained, 20-year-old James Alvarez, was subsequently arrested for one count of Aggravated Robbery.

The victim was not injured. The suspect at large is described as:
• Hispanic male
• Heavy build
• Approximately 20-years-old
• Bald
• Wearing black hooded sweatshirt

The Sheriff’s Department Robbery/Assault Unit is currently trying to identify the remaining suspect involved in this robbery. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call 88-CRIME or 9-1-1.