Las Vegas mayor pro tem’s son is accused in 9 other robberies

The son of Las Vegas Mayor Pro Tem Steve Ross, arrested last week after an armed robbery at a southwest valley fast-food restaurant, is accused in nine similar incidents this month, court records show.

The Ross family said in a statement last week that Shane Ross, 27, has addiction issues.

Ross spoke to his father on the phone before requesting an attorney, and told investigators he needed money to pay homeowners association fees and bills, according to his arrest report. He’s scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday morning.

Officers were dispatched at 7:06 a.m. Friday to Burger King at 3485 Rainbow Blvd. on a report of an armed robbery. Six minutes later, officers were sent to Walgreens at 3480 Jones Blvd., 1.5 miles away, on another report of an armed robbery.

Ross walked into Walgreens wearing a motorcycle helmet, headed directly to the cash register, set a revolver on the counter and demanded money, police said, adding that he walked out with $250. It wasn’t clear how much money was taken from Burger King.

He was arrested less than two hours later while exiting a Jackpot Joanie’s near the crime scenes after officers spotted a motorcycle matching the description of the one used in the robberies.

Ross initially told investigators the revolver he used was fake, then said it was real and was hidden in his home’s closet, according to police.

Ross also is accused of robbing a Krispy Kreme, court records show. It wasn’t immediately clear which other businesses he’s accused of robbing.

Police last week released images of a man who they say matches Ross’ description and deemed the robberies, in which an armed man arrived and left on a motorcycle, the “cruiser robbery series.”

Steve Ross, who was elected to the City Council in 2005 and became the mayor pro tem last year, issued the following statement Monday, similar to one sent last week:

“The support from our community has been more than overwhelming. I want to express my sincere appreciation to everyone who has reached out to our family. It is clear no family is immune from the terrible effects of addiction. We will continue to be hopeful that Shane will overcome his demons and get the help that he clearly needs. We are focused first and foremost on our son’s health and his multiple addiction issues and we have faith that the justice system will act fairly. We are also very grateful no one was injured. I know I share everyone’s hope that everybody suffering with addiction will get the help they need.”

Shane Ross, who is facing armed-robbery and burglary charges, is being held without bail at the Clark County Detention Center.