Tactical
Vape Shop Employee Confronts Armed Crooks, Sends Them Running
A tense encounter unfolded over the weekend at a vape shop in San Antonio, Texas, when two gun-wielding men attempted to rob the establishment.
In a bold turn of events, instead of succumbing to the robbers’ demands, one of the employees chased the suspects out of the store, sparking a confrontation outside.
Authorities were called to Vape City on FM 78 near Rittiman Road at about 10:35 p.m. Saturday following reports of an aggravated robbery and a possible shooting.
“Two males armed with guns tried to take items from the store, but one of the employees chased them outside,” the police affirmed upon arrival at the scene.
A struggle ensued outside the store, during which one of the suspects discharged his weapon. According to local law enforcement, it is still unclear whether the shot was aimed at the employee or fired into the air. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries, and no evidence was found that the building had been hit by the gunfire.
“The suspects fled on foot after the shooting,” police told the press, adding that the investigation was still ongoing.
In an eerily similar incident, an armed man demanded cash and goods from another Vape City outlet on Southwest Military Drive near I-35.
After the employee complied with the robber’s demands, security camera footage helped to identify the vehicle used by the criminal. Thanks to this evidence, the shop’s employee identified the culprit from a photo lineup as 48-year-old Theodore Sanchez Jr., who was subsequently arrested and charged with aggravated robbery. He is currently held on a $100,000 bail.
Another vape shop in the area, Carter’s Smoke and Vape shop in the 500 block of South Zarzamora, had its share of trouble when an unmasked man brandished a firearm at an employee, stole several items, and made his escape on foot.
However, with the help of surveillance footage and fingerprints left at the scene, the victim was able to identify 25-year-old Elixier Cabrerra Neira as the perpetrator. Neira has since been arrested and charged with aggravated robbery and is presently held on a $75,000 bond.
Watch a local news report about the incident below:
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