Two young men are in custody following a series of robberies that struck various locations around San Antonio this past Friday. According to KSAT, the suspects, identified as Austin Mendoza, 20, and Marcelo Ojeda, 19, are believed to be connected to the crimes that ranged from Rolling Oaks Mall in the east to the vicinity of Ingram Park Mall to the west.
It all began at noon, when the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) responded to a robbery call at Rolling Oaks Mall. It is reported by KENS 5 that, after waiting for nearly 45 minutes for a jewelry store to open, Mendoza allegedly grabbed multiple items and fled with Ojeda. During the confrontation, an unidentified victim trying to stop the suspects was cut with an unknown object before the suspects escaped.
The escapade continued around 3 p.m. as the two men were reported to have been attempting to break into several vehicles at Ingram Park Mall, located over 20 miles from their first target. Escalating in their brazen tactics, Mendoza is accused of threatening a mall security officer with what seemed to be a handgun, as mentioned in the KSAT coverage. The security officer, who was following the suspects' vehicle around the parking lot, was threatened with death before Mendoza and Ojeda fled the location.
The spree's dramatic conclusion unfolded near a convenience store at around 5 p.m. on Wurzbach Road, less than a mile from Ingram Park Mall. As reported by KSAT, the pair's getaway vehicle broke down, and Mendoza attempted to pilfer items from the store while Ojeda brandished a pistol to intimidate an employee who confronted them. Following a brief chase by officers responding to the employee's call, Mendoza was arrested without further incident, and a weapon was recovered. Ojeda was later apprehended with the assistance of the SAPD's EAGLE helicopter.
Both Mendoza and Ojeda are now facing charges of aggravated robbery and evading arrest. SNAPT's records show Mendoza also has an added charge for possession of a controlled substance, as well as a previous unrelated theft charge. The Bexar County Adult Detention Center is holding both suspects as the investigation continues.
