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Surprise police arrest 'Croc Bandit,' who is accused of damaging 9 businesses with shovel

Surprise police said the community sharing a social media post helped them find the suspect in less than a week. Here's why he was called the 'Croc Bandit.'
Credit: Surprise Police Department

SURPRISE, Ariz. — Citizens of Surprise can rest easy, the Croc Bandit has been caught

Surprise police announced Monday that they arrested Richard Elizondo in connection with damage to nine businesses near the intersection of Bell and Litchfield roads. 

Police named him the 'Croc Bandit,' as they say Elizondo was seen on security camera footage using a shovel to break windows on the businesses at about 1:30 a.m. on April 29 while wearing black Croc shoes in "sport mode."   

The businesses Elizondo is accused of damaging are: 

  • Molly & Friends Dog Grooming 
  • Sunridge Apartments 
  • Lou Tivoli Gardens 
  • 99¢ Store 
  • State 48 Brewery 
  • Verizon Wireless 
  • Metro by T-Mobile 
  • My Daddy's Bakery 
  • Sun City Elk's Lodge 

Elizondo has been charged with multiple counts of criminal damage.  

Surprise police said they were able to identify Elizondo and the vehicle he was driving thanks to members of the community sharing a post on social media.  

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