3 arrested after smash-and-grab burglaries at multiple West Valley smoke shops

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Police say three suspects caught on surveillance video breaking into a West Valley smoke shop and stealing thousands of dollars in merchandise are also responsible for several other smash-and-grab burglaries around the Valley.

One burglary happened early one morning at the end of November at a Toke N’ Smoke shop. Owner Erika James said she received an emergency notification on her phone alerting her that someone had broken into the store.

“I came out here, literally in my pajamas, and when I pulled up the left door, glass was smashed into the shop,” James said.

Surveillance video shows three suspects police identified as Joshua Dubinsky, 19, Romayne McKinney,19, and Shawn McKinney, 23, breaking into the store. One suspect is seen throwing a rock through the front door window before all three climbed inside. One of them brought in a large black bin. They all then ran to the back of the store and began throwing merchandise into it.

“They were in and out within a minute, and they were here for vapes, so they just cleared off two shelves of our supplies on the back,” James said.

James said the burglary, including stolen products and damage, cost her small business $17,000.

“It does hurt us personally, because we had to pay for everything,” she said.

Police reviewed the store’s surveillance video and, according to James, immediately recognized the suspects.

“They immediately knew who they were by their actions,” James said. “How they broke in, throwing the bin in, the three individuals, their movements, you know, it was very distinctive.”

Court records obtained by 12News claim the suspects carried out similar smash-and-grab burglaries at two other smoke shops in the West Valley the same day. The documents also state the suspects burglarized multiple smoke shops in December using similar tactics.

Investigators used cell phone data to track the suspects to the burglary locations and obtain arrest warrants. According to court documents, when police attempted to arrest Shawn McKinney, the 23-year-old tried to run by jumping out of an apartment window before being taken into custody by a K-9 unit.

Detectives said they found a large amount of smoke shop products, cash and clothing worn by the suspects in the surveillance video.

All three suspects were arrested and face multiple charges.

“We want to see that, hopefully this time, they actually get some jail time and have to pay restitution to make an impact statement on that,” James said.

Court documents also note there were other similar smash-and-grab burglaries in May and June that may be connected to the suspects, meaning additional charges could be filed.

You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere, thanks to the 12News+ app! 

The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like “Today in AZ” and “12 News” and our daily lifestyle program, “Arizona Midday”—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. 

12News+  showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. 

Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives. 

Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for “12 News KPNX.” 

Amazon Fire TV: Search for “12 News KPNX” to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app. 

Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.