SAFFORD – Last Tuesday a woman reported to authorities her son’s bike had been stolen from the back alley while he was at a store on 5th Avenue. The boy had left it there 10 minutes and when he returned, it was gone. The woman attempted to locate the bike for 2 hours before contacting the police, however, there was no video in the area and no witnesses. The price of the bike purchased around December cost $352.81.
The next day an officer responded to a bike shop on 6th Avenue where it was reported a female had come into the shop earlier to get a tire fixed on her bike. After fixing the tire, the serial number was written down and after further research, it was discovered the bike belonged to a former employee. The store owner gave the officer a description of the woman. The officer had seen a woman matching the description, known as Tonya Reed, on a bike earlier matching the description of the bicycle in question. The officer further described Reed to the owner, who was confirmed as Reed.
Last Thursday, Reed was taken into custody for an outstanding misdemeanor warrant for Criminal Trespassing in the 3rd Degree. At that time, the officer also questioned her in reference to the bicycle theft. Reed stated she was the suspect, and that she head taken the bicycle to her residence. Reed reported she had stolen the bicycle because it was blue and it was gang related. She said she was not forced into stealing it. She just wanted it because blue is the color of her gang. Reed also confirmed the area in which she stole it. Reed was transported to the Graham County Jail where she was booked on the warrant and theft.
After the officer cleared the jail, the bicycle was located in the front yard of Reeds residence. Occupants of the residence stated to the officer they had a feeling that Reed had stolen the bicycle but were unsure.
