The tenacity of a local Silent Witness program and the vigilance of an Arizona police sergeant have proven instrumental in the arrest of a man connected to a violent armed robbery, nearly a year after the crime took place. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, two suspects were involved in a robbery outside a Walmart at 75th Avenue and McDowell Road last May, where they threatened victims for a gold chain. While patrolling, Tolleson Police Sgt. Erik Mendez happened to watch a crime story segment about the incident and recognized the suspects as individuals he had previously arrested for a different crime.
"On the thumbnail, I immediately saw the picture of the suspects and I recognized them as the same suspects that I arrested. They were still wearing the same clothing," Sgt. Mendez told FOX 10. The connection led to the arrest this month of Mekai Roquemore on suspicion of armed robbery with a deadly weapon. In the FOX 10 segment, another valley police department watched in gratitude as their sergeant on air discussed the details of the past crime.
While the Silent Witness team continues to seek more information to obtain probable cause for a search warrant on the other suspect involved, Sgt. Brian Bower of the Phoenix Police highlighted the vital role of media in resolving such cases. “It just confirms that the program works, right?” Sgt. Bower said in the interview with FOX 10. They stressed that public vigilance remains crucial, reiterating the mantra, "if you see something, say something."
In another appeal to the public, Phoenix police have released a new video through Silent Witness in hopes of identifying an unrelated armed robbery suspect. The incident, which occurred at a Circle K near 43rd Avenue and McDowell Road, showcases an as-yet unidentified man threatening a store employee with a knife before stealing cigarettes, detailed by a report from ABC15. Described as a Hispanic or Native American man in his 20s or 30s, roughly 5'4" to 5'6", and with brown eyes, the police urge anyone with information to contact Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS. They are offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest, ensuring the community plays a part in maintaining its own safety.
