SMPD makes arrest in December gas station robbery

A suspect was arrested in connection with an armed robbery that occurred at a San Marcos gas station in December.

The San Marcos Police Department arrested Miguel Perez, 21, of San Marcos, in connection with the robbery that happened at Spirit Pit Stop — 1214 South Interstate 35. Officials said Perez was arrested for unrelated crimes on Jan. 16. Detectives obtained a warrant for Perez in relation to the Spirit Pit Stop robbery following his arrest, police said. 

SMPD added that detectives linked Perez to multiple robberies in Travis County. 

“SMPD wished to extend a big thanks to our local residents for their assistance in solving this crime,” Chief Stan Standridge said in a statement. “Our team also wants to thank the Austin Police Department Robbery Unit and Westlake Hills Police Department for their collaboration on this case.”

Police responded to an aggravated robbery at Spirit Pit Stop at approximately 6:53 p.m. on Dec. 11. Officials said an unidentified suspect — later identified as Perez — entered Spirit and wandered around the business while waiting for all customers to leave.  SMPD said after the customers departed, Perez approached the counter, acting as if he was going to make a purchase.  He then produced a handgun from his hoodie pocket, pointed it at the clerk, and demanded cash from the register. After taking the cash from the clerk, Perez allegedly fled on foot behind the business, police said. 

Video surveillance shows Perez wearing a red hoodie with the Air Jordan Jumpman logo over the left breast, ball cap, blue or purple camo-print gaiter face cover, black pants, and Nike Air Jordan 4 Retro shoes.

Following Perez’s arrest, he was charged with aggravated robbery; evading arrest; resisting arrest, search or transport; taking or attempting to take a weapon from an officer; criminal mischief <$750; and two counts of possession of a controlled substance. At publication, Perez remained in the Hays County Jail on $321,000 in bonds.