Surprise Police have nabbed the man they suspect is the so-called 'Croc Bandit,' responsible for a string of vandalism at local businesses. The suspect, identified as Richard Elizondo, was arrested on yesterday, putting an end to the crime spree that left 10 establishments reeling from damages, as reported by FOX 10 Phoenix.

In the dead of night on April 29 around 1:00 a.m., a figure was caught on camera, a shovel in hand, breaking the glass facades that shielded enterprises at the intersection of Litchfield and Bell roads. The Surprise Police announced, "The ‘Croc Bandit’ will be charged with multiple counts of criminal damage to 10 different businesses," a portion of their statement said, as seen on FOX 10 Phoenix.

According to azfamily.com, Elizondo's late-night antics didn't go unnoticed, with surveillance footage picking up his distinct attire of a black T-shirt, shorts, and notably, black Crocs shoes - the latter giving rise to his nickname. Affected businesses include Lou Tivoli Gardens, Metro by T-Mobile, among others. The suspect was also seen escaping in a silver hatchback.

Community input played a pivotal role, with police receiving tips after releasing video and images of the suspect last week. Elizondo is now facing the consequences, multiple charges of criminal damage await. Police shared this admonition, "After breaking the windows, the suspect drove off in what appeared to be a newer-model silver hatchback." The diligent work of law enforcement and alert citizens has brought this episode to a close, revealing that even the cover of night can't conceal all misdeeds.