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Employees at Bike shop bear-sprayed during robbery

Posted at 5:04 PM, May 21, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-21 20:10:01-04

Two thieves go to extreme lengths to get their hands on hefty priced bikes at Arizona Cyclist located at 5350 East Broadway. 

General Manager Ryan Tiffin says his employees were caught off guard when two masked me stormed into the bike shop. 

One of the two thieves was armed with bear spray and used the spray to get away with two bikes. 

"As soon as we were able to identify that we were being robbed ... They were spraying bear spray directly to my employees faces," says Tiffin. 

The two men managed to get away with two expensive bikes.  

According to Tucson Police Department, Christopher Lee Higgins, 34, was booked into the Pima County Jail. Higgins was charged with three counts of aggravated Robbery and assault.

TPD tied Higgins to a Kay Jewelers robbery at Park Place in January. Police say, Higgins was trying on rings and when he fled the store. When the Kay Jewelers employee went after him, he pulled out a knife and threatened the employee. The employee was not injured. 

He has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon but the ring was never recovered. 

TPD confirms - Higgins was arrested while driving a stolen vehicle. 

The other bike shop robber has not been captured. He is being described as a black male, 5’10”-6’00”, 200-230 pounds. At the time of the robbery he was wearing a black shirt, white/gray athletic shorts, and a tan beanie.

Tiffin is personally thanking the community for spreading the word on social media and getting one behind bars.

"Tucson is one of the top cycling cities in the country and I think the city gets it - that this is a huge draw for our community and have to take care of it," says Tiffin. 

Both bikes have not been found . If you have any information, you are asked to call 88-crime. 

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