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Banner opens rehabilitation hospital
September 17, 2020
Peoria’s Hometown Newspaper
Police help FBI nab bank robber BY TOM SCANLON
Peoria Times Managing Editor
NEWS..............4
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A “serial bank robber” accused of robbing three Peoria banks—and terrorizing tellers at four other West Valley banks— over the summer was arrested, according to the FBI. On Aug. 28, FBI agents and Phoenix Police Department officers arrested Scott David Williams, 59, outside Haymaker Thunderbird restaurant in Peoria. He is accused of wearing a face mask and dark glasses as he demanded money from tellers in a string of West Valley bank robberies. According to the FBI, “Williams is now facing charges in connection with seven
bank robberies throughout Arizona since June 2020.” Williams is accused of stealing around $25,000 from the banks in Peoria, Surprise, Sun City and Goodyear. His method was to calmly walk up to a teller, shove an envelope or bag at the teller and demand money. At Chase Bank on West Lake Pleasant Parkway, according to court documents, on July 27 Williams “told the teller he had a partner waiting outside, the partner was listening to a police scanner and not to activate the alarm.” He also told the Peoria teller not to make any sudden moves before leaving with
$4,000. Williams allegedly returned to Peoria Aug. 6, robbing another Chase Bank on West Northern Avenue. He repeated his threats and instructions before leaving with $3,700. He allegedly drove out of the parking lot “at a high rate of speed,” jumping over a median on 91st Avenue before turning onto Northern Avenue. His decision to hit a Goodyear bank Aug. 17 may have been his undoing. According to court documents, Goodyear police officers investigated the West SEE BANK ROBBER PAGE 2
Surf’s up as Glendale approves theme park BY TOM SCANLON
NEWS..............5 PUSD begins a measured return to classrooms
OPINION.................11 BUSINESS...............12 FEATURES...............14 RELIGION................17 YOUTH....................18 CLASSIFIEDS...........20
Peoria Times Managing Editor
Economists like to say a rising tide lifts all boats. If so, surf’s up—and a massive project planned in Glendale may impact Peoria’s economy. Glendale City Council recently approved a development agreement for a “mega” development at Cardinals Way and the Loop 101: Crystal Lagoons Island Resort. While the anchor of the project is a 10acre lagoon and water park, it will be surrounded by an amusement park, offices, restaurants, shops and a hotel. The size and scope of the project makes
it a regional draw that could help its neighboring cities. “Projects of this magnitude always bring tremendous tourism value to the region,” Mayor Cathy Carlat said. “I’m excited to see this project coming to Glendale and look forward to its development.” While Crystal Lagoons projects 1,800 permanent employees, hundreds more construction workers will be hired, said Glendale City Manager Phelps. He said the project will start later this year and be completed by October 2022—in time for the following Super Bowl. That should mean plenty of work for those who live in neighboring Peoria, as SEE WATER
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Crystal Lagoons Island Resort is projected to bring a water park, amusement rides, restaurants, shops, office space and a hotel to Glendale, near State Farm Stadium. (Photo courtesy Crystal Lagoons)
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