Contributed Photo/Courtesy GCSO: Peter Waller Jr., of Thatcher, is suspected of committing armed robbery in Willcox. Waller was booked into Cochise County Jail on three counts each of armed robbery, aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, and endangerment; possession of a narcotic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of stolen property, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, tampering with evidence, disorderly conduct with a weapon, and theft.
By Jon Johnson
THATCHER – Peter Waller Jr. 39, of Thatcher, was arrested Tuesday and booked into the Graham County Adult Detention Facility on suspicion of committing armed robbery in Willcox. He was released to Willcox Police the same day, who transported him to the Cochise County Jail.
According to a Willcox Police press release, authorities believe Waller robbed the Medicine Shoppe pharmacy at 902 W. Rex Allen Dr. in Willcox of narcotic pills. Waller allegedly demanded the pills at gunpoint and then fled into a Chrysler Concord. Authorities were called to the scene at about 3:10 p.m.
Roughly an hour-and-a-half later, Thatcher Police Chief Shaffen Woods spotted Waller’s vehicle at a local gas station. Thatcher and Safford Police then followed Waller as he left the gas station and conducted a high-risk stop. Waller was then taken into custody without incident.
A search of Waller’s home in Thatcher yielded several firearms and items linking Waller to the robbery, according to the release. Waller is also listed as a prohibited possessor of firearms due to a felonious history.
Waller was booked into Cochise County Jail on three counts each of armed robbery, aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, and endangerment; possession of a narcotic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of stolen property, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, tampering with evidence, disorderly conduct with a weapon, and theft. The release states charges are also pending against Waller’s wife.
Thatcher Chief Woods and Willcox Chief Dale Hadfield issued the following joint statement, “We are proud of all the police officers involved. We are also proud of citizens who assist our departments through information sharing to keep our communities safe. Investigations such as these show the importance of partnerships in law enforcement and the quality of work performed by our police departments. We remind citizens and businesses to remember if you are ever in a similar situation, give the criminal what they ask for and do not confront them. Immediately call 911 and allow your local law enforcement to respond.”
