Police nab multi‑robbery suspect

SCOTTSDALE – Police arrested a Phoenix man they believe is responsible for at least five robberies in the last 30 days.

Joseph William Watson III, 35, was arrested March 30 in connection with six Scottsdale robberies. According to the Scottsdale Police Department, Watson is being held on five counts of armed robbery. A sixth charge is pending.

A department press release states that Watson was arrested at Casino Arizona, 9700 E. Indian Bend Rd., and admitted to the robberies–committed in order to pay gambling debts. Police focused on Watson based on a tip from an anonymous person who saw a television news account March 29 when surveillance video from one of the robberies was broadcast. Watson was positively identified by victims of the crimes, police say.

The string of robberies stretched the entire month of March, with three holdups coming in one day–March 28–all involving salons. The salons robbed were Arista Curlz, located at 11162 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., at 5 p.m.; Energy Tanning, 7349 N. Via Paseo Del Sur, at 7:50 p.m.; and Tan Factory, 14651 N. Northsite Blvd., at 9:50 p.m., according to the police.

The three other robberies Watson is suspected of having involvement in are Bath and Body Works, 32421 N. Scottsdale Rd., on March 1; the Subway Restaurant at 6977 N. Hayden Road on March 24, and Leslie’s Swimming Pool Supply, 32409 N. Scottsdale Rd., on March 2.

Watson had not been charged with the March 2 robbery as of press time.         

Police also stated Watson is suspected in other robberies in the metro area, including at least one in Tempe and two in Phoenix. Investigation into those crimes and Watson’s possible involvement continue.