On April 14, 2021 at approximately 2:31 a.m. the Lake Havasu City Police Department received a report of a burglary in progress at a business in the 3100 block of Sweetwater Blvd. in which the caller reported seeing that several male suspects had cut the rear fence of the business and were in the process of attempting to steal multiple Polaris RZRs. An officer, who was nearby as the call was being reported, observed a RZR fleeing the area at a high rate of speed and initiated a pursuit of the vehicle, which ended when the RZR fled into the desert area near Sara Park.

Officers conducted a canvas of the area and located two stolen RZRs in the area of Sara Park. Two male subjects, 23 year old Anthony Sapata and 24 year old Michael Ellis, were also located hiding in the area and were taken into custody. A third suspect, 25 year old Hector Quiroz-Armenta, was also arrested after officers received a report of a prowler in the backyard of a nearby residence, in the 4000 block of Tropicaire Dr. and further investigation revealed that he was involved in the burglary. A fourth suspect, 26 year old Juan Nunez, was arrested after being located by officers hiding near the burglary scene on Sweetwater Ave. All four subjects arrested are residents of the Phoenix area.

Detectives with the Lake Havasu City Police Department Criminal Investigation Unit assisted with the investigation, and it was discovered that a second business in the 3100 block of Sweetwater Ave. was also burglarized and that attempts were made to steal two additional vehicles from location, but were unsuccessful. Additionally, a vehicle belonging to one of the suspects was also located in the area of Sara Park and was seized by detectives pending the service of a search warrant.

As a result of the investigation:

Michael Ellis was charged with burglary in the 3rd degree, theft of means of transportation, resisting arrest, and possession of burglary tools.

Anthony Sapata was charged with burglary in the 3rd degree, theft of means of transportation, resisting arrest, and possession of burglary tools.

Hector Quiroz-Armenta was charged with burglary in the 3rd degree, theft of means of transportation, resisting arrest, possession of burglary tools, criminal trespass in the 1st degree, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Juan Nunez was charged with burglary in the 3rd degree, theft of means of transportation, resisting arrest, possession of burglary tools, and criminal damage.

During their initial appearances, all four subjects were held on $25,000 bonds and were transferred to the custody of the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office.  

Public Information Officer: Sergeant Frank Hayden

Booking photo: Michael Ellis, Anthony Sapata, Hector Quiroz-Armenta, Juan Nunez.