This morning, Scottsdale patrol officers responded to a shooting call at the Circle K located at 8140 E. Indian School Rd. When officers arrived at the scene, they encountered two adult males that were deceased. A third adult male was found with a gunshot wound.
Investigators have learned the following information: At 2:40 a.m., an adult male suspect entered the Circle K with a gun and demanded money. In course of the armed robbery, the suspect fired multiple rounds at or near the victim clerk. An adult male bystander entered the Circle K during the robbery. The suspect then shot and killed the bystander. The suspect exited the business and encountered a second bystander in the parking lot. The suspect fired several rounds at the 2nd bystander, striking him. The 2nd bystander returned fire with his handgun. The suspect was hit by gunfire and died at the scene. The 2nd bystander was later treated by Scottsdale Fire and transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. During then incident, the clerk was able to flee the business out the back door uninjured.
Investigators also learned that this incident was related to two other armed robberies last evening and this morning. On 7/2/20 at 11:45 p.m., an armed robbery occurred at the Circle K in the area of the 101 Freeway and Shea. The suspect description was the same and the suspect fired rounds from a gun inside of the store. On 7/3/20 at 2:15 a.m., an armed robbery occurred at the Circle K at 1550 N Country Club in Mesa. Again, the suspect description was the same and the suspect fired rounds from a gun inside of the store. No injuries were reported in either of the two previous incidents.
This investigation is ongoing at this time. Updates will be provided as they become available, according to Sgt. Ben Hoster, Public Information Office with the Scottsdale Police Department.
[Update: July 04, 2020] The deceased Murder and Armed Robbery suspect has been identified as 38-year-old Robert Blackwater.
The investigation has now revealed that the two victim/bystanders in this tragic incident arrived at the Circle K in the same vehicle. The 1st victim was the passenger in the vehicle, and he has been identified as 35-year-old Joseph Toki. Toki entered the Circle K while his friend, victim #2, remained in the vehicle in the driver’s seat. Toki was shot and killed by Blackwater just inside the doors of the business. Blackwater exited the business, and he noticed the 2nd victim in his car. Blackwater immediately began firing rounds from his gun at the 2nd victim. The 2nd victim was shot as he exited his vehicle, and he was able to return fire with his own gun, striking Blackwater.
Evidence at the scene showed that there was a 2nd suspect waiting in a vehicle parked on the side of the business. The 2nd suspect exited the suspect vehicle and fled the scene on foot just after the shooting. The 2nd suspect was arrested later in the afternoon on 7/3/20 on the charges of 1st Degree Murder and Armed Robbery. He has been identified as 32-year-old Bryan Christopher Lee Washington. The investigation is still ongoing, and no further details are available at this time.
[Update: 7/31/2020] State of Arizona vs Bryan Christopher Lee Washington. Pursuant to State's Motion to Dismiss, IT IS ORDERED dismissing without prejudice the above-entitled cause, all in accordance with the formal written Order signed by the Court. ISSUED: Order of Release, according to Superior Court of Arizona, Maricopa County documents.
The matter remains under investigation. As always, details can be obtained by requesting them through our Records Division, according to Sgt. B. Reynolds, Public Information Office with the Scottsdale Police Department.
See Also:
Shooting - 8140 E Indian School Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 - Circle K
CR-2020126095 - Bryan Christopher Washington - Superior Court of Arizona, Maricopa County
