Men accused of taking part in 5 armed robberies are now in custody

PHOENIX (FOX 10) -- Police and Federal agents are investigating a string of robberies that have taken place across the Valley, and they may all be connected to the same suspects.

FBI officials are confirming that two men have recently been taken into custody, in connection to a Valley-wide serial robbery spree. The two are now facing federal charges, and they are suspected of carrying out several robberies at businesses in Peoria, Phoenix, Gilbert, Glendale and Surprise.

31-year-old Lawrence Gomes and 24-year-old Conner Farrar were taken into custody by Phoenix Police a week ago on Friday. According to FBI officials, Gomes and Farrar are connected to several robberies happening over the last few weeks. Police say... Several businesses in Peoria were targeted, including a papa john's pizza shop and a car wash located off of Lake Pleasant Parkway.

According to Phoenix Police officials, a recent robbery at a Circle K on Union Hills in North Phoenix is also part of the FBI investigation. Gomes and Farrar are also suspected to be involved in a violent robbery a week ago, at a Pizza Hut near Baseline and Power. One employee was shot during the incident, but survived.

Surveillance photos of the armed robber have been released, and local police officials have asked the public for help in identifying and locating him. In this incident, Lawrence Gomes is believed to be the shooter.

Both Gomes and Farrar are convicted felons. Gomes served six years in prison for armed robbery, and was released in January of 2019. Farrar served about a year in prison for burglary and flight. FBI officials said both suspects are now facing federal charges.