A 24-year-old man originally arrested on January 29 for attempting to rob a woman in a Sam’s Club parking lot was charged in connection with two additional robberies, according to a release from the Anchorage Police Department.
Original Arrest
On Jan. 29, Gaythel Graves, allegedly held a woman at gunpoint in an Anchorage Sam’s Club parking lot and stole her purse, dropping it as he attempted to escape, witnesses told police. He escaped in a vehicle driven by 19-year-old Ariana James.
Bystanders who saw the event take place followed Graves and James, giving police dispatchers updates along the way. The two were intercepted by police at 360 Boniface Parkway and arrested, according to the release.
Graves was charged with first-degree robbery and third-degree misconduct involving a weapon, while James was arrested on an outstanding warrant.
Additional Robberies
Following his arrest, police were able to gather enough evidence to link Graves with two additional Anchorage robberies.
Flo’s Pancake House in East Anchorage was robbed at gunpoint on Jan. 28 just before 4 p.m.
“A man walked into the restaurant, pointed a gun at an employee, stole money that was sitting on the counter and left,” according to police.
An employee told police they believed the suspected robber was in a relationship with a former employee, Ariana James.
At 2 a.m. the next day, the Denny’s restaurant at 2900 Denali St. was also robbed at gunpoint. According to police, the employee closed the register and “ran into the kitchen” after the suspect entered and demanded money.
“The man tried to grab both the cash register and computer, attempting to take them with him, but was unsuccessful and instead dropped them both on the floor,” the release from police states.
Graves was charged with two additional counts of first-degree robbery as a result of the investigation.
