The recent string of burglaries targeting Family Dollar stores throughout Phoenix has culminated in the indictment of two suspects. Alexei Torres Alvarez, 40, and Yosvanys Perez Martinez, 34, face multiple charges for their alleged involvement in at least nine burglaries of Family Dollar locations and one KFC restaurant, according to FOX 10 Phoenix. The duo reportedly stole approximately $315,000 in cash and caused an estimated $150,000 in damages.
Detailed in court records and Arizona's Family reports, the suspects surveilled the stores and impersonated police officers to deter potential witnesses during the burglaries, which occurred between Feb. 20 and Oct. 1. Their method involved cutting power to the establishments, using tools to enter through the back doors, and disabling alarms to carry out the thefts unimpeded. They also wore masks and gloves and used chemicals to eliminate any DNA evidence.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced the charges against Alvarez and Martinez, which include 10 counts of burglary, two counts of possession of burglary tools, and one count of attempt to commit burglary. The indictment follows a series of calculated crimes that left several businesses in the Phoenix area without cash and security.
The burglaries targeted several locations, including Family Dollar stores on 7th Avenue, 19th Avenue, 35th Avenue, 67th Avenue, 16th Street, and 59th Avenue. The suspects demonstrated a strong familiarity with the stores, often using specialized tools to break into or remove safes containing cash. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office described the defendants as part of a "sophisticated burglary crew" that carefully planned their heists, as per Arizona's Family report.
Alvarez and Martinez are set to stand trial in March 2025 for their crimes, which have exposed the vulnerabilities of local Family Dollar stores.
