YUCCA VALLEY ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECT ARRESTED

A Yucca Valley man was arrested in connection with a robbery at Payless Shoes last month. On May 21, deputies were called to the Payless Shoe Store in Yucca Valley about 6:30 p.m. for a report of an armed robbery. The clerk told deputies that a man entered the store, showed the clerk a gun, and demanded cash from the register and safe, before fleeing with the money and a pair of basketball shoes. Deputies identified Tony Tupper, 55, as a suspect in the robbery and went to his home in the 5200 block of Elata Avenue June 1 with a search warrant. A search of the residence found evidence connecting him to the robbery. Tony Tupper was arrested for investigation of armed robbery, intimidating a witness, and enhancements for using a weapon in the commission of a felony, and a three-strikes enhancement. Tupper was booked into the West Valley Detention Center with his bail set at $425,000. His first court appearance is set for June 14.