Havasu Police Unveil Shocking New Details in String of Armed Robberies

A man from Lake Havasu City faces multiple felony charges following a series of alarming incidents this month, which Mohave County prosecutors have now released further details about.

Tony L. Crawford, 40, was arraigned on 12 felony counts, including aggravated assault and robbery at two convenience stores. His bond was set at $50,000, a figure his defense team unsuccessfully sought to reduce during a recent court session.

The situation began on August 5 when Crawford allegedly fired upon an unoccupied residence on Mescalero Drive, discharging his weapon 26 times in front of witnesses. Following this incident, he reportedly proceeded to a local Texaco store, brandishing a firearm and demanding cash from a clerk while threatening two other customers in the process.

After robbing the Texaco, Crawford allegedly made his way to the Pancho Villa Taco Shop, a short distance away, where he repeated his criminal actions. Surveillance footage captured both robberies, which facilitated the police investigation.

As officers responded to the incidents, they spotted Crawford’s vehicle matching descriptions provided by witnesses. He allegedly fled when officers attempted a traffic stop, tossing large amounts of cash from his vehicle during a three-mile pursuit that led him back to the initial shooting location.

Crawford’s chase ended when law enforcement successfully intercepted him. He was arrested at gunpoint, and investigators later recovered $771 recovered from the roadside during the chase.

During police questioning, Crawford reportedly confessed to both the shootings and the store robberies. He claimed that the shooting was motivated by a belief that “the cartel” was behind the death of an FBI agent who he thought resided in the home he targeted. However, the residence was unoccupied at the time.

The homeowner, forced to travel from Colorado to assess the damage, expressed concerns that Crawford’s bond was insufficient, fearing he posed a continued threat.

Additionally, evidence obtained during a search of Crawford’s vehicle revealed a loaded handgun and over 26 grams of methamphetamine. A background check disclosed that he was prohibited from having firearms due to a prior felony conviction, and witnesses indicated he has a long history of methamphetamine use.

Prosecutors have argued against any reduction of Crawford’s bond, emphasizing both the seriousness of the charges and the potential risk to the community. A hearing regarding the bond reduction request has yet to be scheduled in Mohave Superior Court.