AUSTIN, Texas — Police and deputies in Hays County arrested an 18-year-old and two others who are suspected of being behind a string of robberies that occurred over the course of a week toward the end of January and early February.
According to the Kyle Police Department, Rudy Joe Luis Romero was arrested and charged with five felonies after a string of incidents that occurred between Jan. 25 and Feb. 3.
Kyle police responded to reported robberies that occurred at a 7-Eleven location on Hill Street and the Interstate 35 Northbound Frontage Road on Jan. 25, a 7-Eleven location on South Loop 4 and I-35 Southbound Frontage Road on Feb. 1 and a Speed-In Shell Station on Creekside Trail at FM 150 on Feb. 3.
In the first two robberies, the suspect hinted at having a weapon in his jacket but didn't directly brandish one as he demanded money from the cashier. He did show a gun in his waistband during the third robbery, according to police.
Police also report that similar robberies occurred in Buda, San Marcos and in various other locations across Hays County over the course of the past two weeks.
After identifying Romero as the suspect, Kyle police arrested him on Feb. 5 following a brief chase on foot. He is charged with two counts of aggravated robbery, two counts of simple robbery, engaging in organized criminal activity and evading arrest.
In association with the investigation, police in Buda arrested two additional suspects: 22-year-old Anthony Vasquez and 23-year-old Martin Garcia Jr. Each are charged with felony counts of engaging in organized criminal activity and robbery.
Romero is being held at the Hays County Jail. His bond has been set at $255,000.
Vasquez bonded out on a bail of $40,000, while Garcia Jr. remains in jail with a bond set at $50,000.