In a significant crackdown on crime in the East Bay, law enforcement has finally put cuffs on three suspects wanted for a series of armed robberies, ending a seven-month crime spree that terrorized local businesses. The suspects, nabbed in a joint operation spearheaded by the Hayward Police and aided by federal agencies, face many charges.

Alleged ringleader 42-year-old Jaray Washington, along with his accomplices, 24-year-old Cameron Watkins and 26-year-old Deante Hunt, are suspected in 11 robberies that struck fear in seven cities across the Bay Area. Washington, hailing from Oakland, was arrested first on Feb. 13. Watkins and Hunt, also from Oakland and Concord, respectively, fell into police custody in March and April, according to details released by the Hayward Police Department.

Each heist followed a harrowing pattern where at least one assailant would showcase a firearm, herding customers and employees, forcibly taking cash and valuables. The sequence of crimes stretched across Hayward, Livermore, Fremont, San Leandro, and Castro Valley, with the majority occurring in Hayward.

Hayward Police Chief Bryan Matthews praised the cooperative effort via the police department release, "I am so proud of the hard work throughout this investigation. The coordinated effort between our law enforcement partners shows the steadfast commitment to ensure the safety and well-being, not just in our respective communities, but for the entire Bay Area." Gratitude was also extended to the FBI and U.S. Marshals for their critical assistance in the case.