Three Phoenix Reserve officers apprehended three suspects who had duct taped employees and robbed a bank Saturday morning, June 5th in the area of 20th Avenue and Happy Valley Road. Two of the suspects were armed during the robbery.
Reserve motor Officer Rick Hyde responded to the 9-1-1 call and identified a vehicle matching the robbers’ description; it was traveling north on 19th Avenue at a high rate of speed and ran a red light as Hyde called for backup while attempting to keep the car in his sights. The suspects eluded him in the area of 24th Avenue and Deer Valley Road, but Hyde soon located the abandoned vehicle in an apartment complex nearby.
Phoenix Reserve pilot Sam Farris was at the controls of the air unit as a ground search ensued. Hyde was assisted by responding officers who included Reserve Officer James Collins as the team searched an open area near the apartment complex. The suspects were located and all three were taken into custody and booked.
How important are the Phoenix Police Reserves? This incident is indicative of the great work these men and women provide daily to our department and to our community. They are Phoenix community-minded men and women who work in other careers while volunteering to serve and protect our community as part-time and full-authority police officers.
For more information about the Reserve program, or to learn how you can become a member, visit their website.