MESA, AZ — A pre-teen armed robbery victim told the suspect he shouldn't rob people because he'll never get a job.
Mesa police report that on Feb. 24, a 12-year-old boy was walking home after buying some candy at a Walgreen's store near Country Club Drive and Main Street. A man, later identified as Asean Henry James Key, 19, began walking and talking with the boy, according to police.
Court records show that as the boy walked in front of his house, he felt uncomfortable, so he walked past his home. Later, when he turned around, Key allegedly revealed a handgun and threatened to shoot the boy. He also reportedly demanded the boy's money.
The victim told Key that he spent all his money on the candy. Police say Key then looked in his bag and took a candy bar. The boy reportedly told Key "not to rob people because he would never get a job if he got caught."
After Key left, the boy contacted the police and gave them a detailed description. The police located and arrested Key a few blocks away.
Upon his arrest, police reportedly found a BB gun in his bag. Key allegedly told police he would "beat the charges" against him. Court records show that he also said he would be seeing his brother in jail.
Key was released from juvenile prison on his 18th birthday following a 1.5-year sentence. Court documents show that Key has "multiple armed robbery charges since his first arrest in 2015" at age 14.
He has now been charged with armed robbery.
