BULLHEAD CITY – Bullhead City police report progress in their investigation of small business burglary and robbery incidents that occurred within a short time span last month. Investigation resulted in the identification of suspects Matthew David Patrick, 18, and Anthony Robert Wartella.
Bullhead City police department spokeswoman Emily Fromelt said Patrick and Wartella entered the Maverick gas station on Desert Foothills Boulevard on Dec. 14. She said one of them stole merchandise while the other assaulted and dragged a female employee as she tried to get help.
“They fled with hundreds of dollars’ worth of tobacco products,” Fromelt said. “Shortly after, the same two suspects and an additional male, smashed the front glass window at the Minit Serve store on Baseline Road and stole cash.”
Fromelt said Las Vegas Metro police arrested Patrick in Laughlin Tuesday, but that Wartella is still outstanding. Both are charged through arrest warrants with kidnapping, aggravated robbery and burglary.
Patrick is held in the Clark County jail in Las Vegas, awaiting extradition and return to Arizona for prosecution.
Anyone with information regarding Wartella’s whereabouts is asked to call police (928-763-1999). Fromelt said charges are pending against the third suspect, identified as Anthony Dewayne Finley, 18.
Dave Hawkins
