Police: Man suspected of robbing four Circle K stores in four days arrested
Nathan J. Fish
A man was arrested Thursday in connection with a string of Circle K robberies over a span of four days, officials said.
Nicholas Shoemaker, 27, was arrested on suspicion of multiple counts of armed robbery, Scottsdale police said.
Between July 16 and July 19, Shoemaker is suspected of robbing four separate Scottsdale Circle K convenience stores, police said.
He allegedly started July 16 at a Circle K at 3410 N. Hayden Road, near North Hayden and Osborn roads, police said.
Shoemaker entered the store, waiting in the back until all the customers left. He then approached the clerk and "simulated a pistol in his pocket," demanding money, said Sgt. Tyler Johnson, a Scottsdale Police Department spokesman.
The next day, a similar robbery took place at a Circle K at 8140 E. Indian School, near 82nd Street and Indian School Road, less than a mile from the first robbery.
Shoemaker again waited for the customers to leave, simulated a pistol in his pocket to the clerk and asked for money, Tyler said.
On the third consecutive day, a Circle K at 9709 N. Hayden Road, near North Hayden and Mountain View roads, was robbed "in a similar fashion as the previous two robberies," Tyler said.
The last robbery on July 19 marked the fourth and final in the series of robberies at a Circle K.
It occurred at 6744 E. McDowell Road, near 68th Street and McDowell Road.
This time, however, Shoemaker did not simulate a weapon. He demanded money and the clerk complied, Tyler said.
One day after the last robbery, Scottsdale police arrested Shoemaker after receiving numerous tips that led investigators to identify Shoemaker as a possible suspect, Tyler said.
Investigators were able to compare video surveillance from the area of the incidents to Shoemaker and identify him as the suspect, Tyler said.
Shoemaker is scheduled for a court appearance June 27.
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