Sedona AZ (March 17, 2014) – On October 4, 2013, around 2:00 in the morning, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the Verde Valley Medical Center to interview a 54-year-old man reporting an armed robbery.

The victim explained to deputies that on the previous day (October 3, 2013) he met a woman unknown to him while inside a casino in the Chandler, Arizona area. The victim admitted he was not discreet with his money and that this behavior likely attracted the female’s friendship. He later told the woman about needing a ride to Prescott Valley, Arizona, from his home near the casino and offered the woman gas money if she could accommodate him. She told him that she needed to check with her “driver” friend before giving an answer. The victim provided his cell phone number to her.

Around 9:00 that night, the victim arranged the ride and was picked up near his home by the woman and her male friend. The three made stops for food in the area and then went to a different casino in Chandler where the victim and woman went inside while the driver friend remained in the truck. The two returned a short time later and the woman’s friend drove the three north on Arizona Interstate 17 out of town. Claiming he needed to use the bathroom, the driver eventually turned off AZ I-17 onto Orme School Road.

After the truck stopped in the desert, the driver exited, opened the victim’s door, and placed a gun to the victim’s head. The victim was ordered to exit the truck and as he did so was struck on the head by the driver (suspect) and knocked to the ground. The victim was then ordered to undress except for socks and underwear. The robbery suspect removed over $1000 from the victim’s pants and then told the victim to walk away. As the truck sped away, driven by the suspect with his female companion passenger, the victim heard a gunshot but was not struck.

James Price arrested in Flagstaff AZ

All of the victim’s clothing, cash, and personal items had been stolen. He walked back to the Arizona interstate and, after more than an hour, was able to get a ride to the hospital.

Over the next several weeks, detectives conducted a comprehensive investigation to identify the robbery suspect including recovering evidence from the robbery location, reviewing surveillance videos from casinos and businesses, tracing credit cards, cell phone and vehicle records, and conducting multiple interviews. The investigation and evidence resulted in the arrest of 43-year-old James Price as the robbery suspect and vehicle driver. A statewide search began and on February 25, 2014, Price was located at his place of employment in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Price was arrested and booked at the Camp Verde Detention Center on charges including Aggravated Assault, Armed Robbery, and Weapons Misconduct. Price remains in-custody on a $100,000 bond.

Citizens may contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at 928-771-3260 pertaining to Price, this case or other issues of concern.

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