The alleged Cookie Bandit, accused in nine armed robberies in Ahwatukee Foothills and Tempe, was arrested early Thursday, police said.
Henry Diaz Jr., 28, was taken into custody by Phoenix police.
Diaz is accused of entering sandwich shops and restaurants in the area of 48th Street and Ray Road, displaying a sawed-off shotgun and demanding money. The most recent robbery took place at a Papa John's on Monday night.
The robber got the Cookie Bandit nickname because he asked employees at a Subway if they had any cookies.
Police Sgt. Phil Roberts credits the arrest to "good old-fashioned police work."
According to Roberts, officers, led by Sgt. Chris Kieffer, hit the streets looking for clues soon after the robberies began. The hunt led them first to what they suspected was a getaway vehicle and that car then led them to Diaz.
Police said Diaz lived near Warner Road and 48th Street and that he had a New Mexico driver's license.
