On October 9, 2009, between 4:20 and 5:45 in the morning, Joseph Anderson and Jose Angel Hernandez, 31, committed five separate robberies in the Maryvale Precinct area. During the robberies, they approached victims who were at water stations refilling water containers. In two robberies the victims were pistol whipped, some of which caused injuries that required treatment at a hospital.
On October 13, Phoenix Police detectives were able to obtain a positive identification of Joseph Anderson through photo line-ups and he was subsequently arrested. During an interview with Anderson, he admitted to the robberies and detectives learned the name of the second suspect, Jose Hernandez.
On October 24, Phoenix detectives obtained a positive identification of Hernandez and requested the help of the Special Assignments Unit in locating him. On October 28, SAU Officers apprehended Hernandez at his residence in Avondale. Detectives executed a search warrant on the home and recovered some evidence. During his interview, Hernandez made admissions concerning three of the robberies. He was booked on multiple charges involving armed robbery.