Fresh Insights Unveiled in Recent Armed Robbery Spree

A Lake Havasu City man, Tony L. Crawford, 40, faces serious charges following a series of violent incidents earlier this month. Mohave County prosecutors have detailed 12 felony counts against him, including aggravated assault and robbery.

Crawford was arraigned on Thursday after his August 5th actions drew the attention of law enforcement. According to Deputy Mohave County Attorney Leah Nelson, he allegedly fired at an unoccupied home multiple times while armed with a handgun, an event witnessed by bystanders.

The situation escalated when Crawford reportedly targeted a local Texaco convenience store at around 5 p.m., brandishing his loaded weapon and demanding cash from the clerk. Witnesses say he threatened other customers, forcing them to back away during the robbery, which was captured on the store’s surveillance cameras.

Following this, he moved to the Pancho Villa Taco Shop, where he repeated his demands for money from the register. After both robberies, witnesses described his vehicle to police, who promptly began a pursuit. Crawford, refusing to stop, allegedly discarded cash from his vehicle during the chase.

The pursuit concluded at 3080 Mescalero Drive, where law enforcement intercepted Crawford and apprehended him at gunpoint. They later recovered $771 from the roadside, believed to be proceeds from the robberies.

Under interrogation, Crawford confessed to his actions, stating bizarre justifications for the shooting incident. He claimed he believed a cartel was involved with the house he shot at. The home was empty at the time, sending its owner from Colorado to assess damages in the wake of his actions.

Further investigations revealed Crawford possessed a fully-loaded handgun and over 26 grams of methamphetamine—substances he was prohibited from owning due to past felony charges. Nelson emphasized Crawford’s long history of methamphetamine use, raising concerns about his potential danger to the community.

Crawford’s bond is currently set at $50,000, and defense attorneys have requested a reduction, which the prosecution contests. A hearing regarding this request is yet to be scheduled in Mohave Superior Court.