Overnight Robberies

Corpus Christi Police Department

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (News Release) - On July 9, 2024, at about 3:57 am officers were dispatched to the 4900 block of Ayers Stree in reference to a robbery in progress.

Officers arrived at the business and were advised by employees that two armed men wearing black clothing and masks entered the business and demanded money. The employees complied.

The suspects then left the location in a white SUV.

While officers were still on scene investigating the first robbery, at 4:45 am another robbery call came in at the 4100 block of IH 69 Access Road. When officers arrived at that scene, they were given the description and it matched that of the first robbery. The suspects also brandished a weapon on the second robbery.

Officers were able to locate the white SUV leaving the area at a high rate of speed. Officers attempted to stop the fleeing vehicle on the highway. The SUV made no attempt to stop at that time.

The SUV was followed throughout several neighborhoods as it continued to evade officers.

The SUV ultimately arrived at the 900 block of Dabney Street, where two males exited the vehicle and attempted to run away from officers. Officers were able to apprehend both males and take them into custody without further incident.

A weapon was located along with an undisclosed amount of money that was taken from both businesses. It was also learned during the investigation the vehicle used was stolen earlier in the evening.

Alex Espinoza and Jose Rodriguez were arrested and charged with aggravated robbery, evading arrest with vehicle, evading arrest, resisting arrest, unlawful carrying of a weapon, burglary of a habitation, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle (UUMV).

Through combined efforts of the patrol officers to include the Gang Unit, they were able to successfully take the offenders into custody without any injuries.