PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — Two men were arrested this week in connection to more than 20 armed robberies throughout four cities, the Pierce County Sheriff's Department announced Wednesday.
The suspects, 30-year-old Arthur Dukes and 28-year-old Tyrone Anthony Prophet, Jr., are believed to be responsible for more than 24 armed robberies throughout Gig Harbor, Tacoma, Spanaway and Graham, according to the Pierce County Sheriff's Department. The sheriff's department said the robberies occurred over a six-month period.
Pierce County Sheriff's Department detectives believe the two men targeted restaurants and retail businesses, sometimes robbing the same businesses multiple times.
According to court documents, Pierce County authorities began investigating the first known robbery involving Dukes in October 2021. During the investigation, authorities were able to tie eight separate robberies together because the suspect wore the same clothing. The documents show the suspect wore a black winter jacket with a large print reading “DKNY,” shiny black “Jordan style” sneakers and blue jeans in the robberies. The suspect also allegedly used a distinct silver and black firearm in all of the robberies, according to the documents.
Pierce County authorities were able to identify Prophet and Dukes after a witness came forward about a woman bragging that she was the “getaway driver” for her boyfriend, identified as Prophet, who had robbed a 7-Eleven.
Authorities used cell phone data to connect Prophet to Dukes, who communicated frequently and used location services to tie their phones to the robbery locations.
According to the documents, Prophet is being charged for the armed robbery of multiple T-Mobile and convenience stores from October 2021 to February 2022, including one robbery involving both Prophet and Dukes.
Prophet has been charged with six counts of first-degree robbery. He was arraigned Wednesday and his bail was set at $500,000.
Dukes has been charged with 10 counts of first-degree robbery. Dukes appeared in court virtually Thursday afternoon, pleading not guilty to all counts. Bail was set at $500,000.
The Pierce County Sheriff's Department said the investigation is ongoing. Detectives are continuing to work on whether or not the two men are connected to additional robberies.
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