San Antonio police have arrested John Perez in connection with an armed robbery that investigators say ended with a woman staring down the barrel of a gun and the suspect hopping on a VIA bus to get away. Authorities say roughly $300 was taken from the victim's purse during the confrontation.
According to KENS5, Perez is now behind bars. Investigators told the station the suspect pointed a gun at the woman's face when she confronted him about the missing cash, then took off from the scene.
What detectives say
San Antonio police say the robbery happened around 10 a.m. on Nov. 29 in the 6900 block of San Pedro Avenue, when a man allegedly grabbed about $300 from the woman's purse and then threatened her with a handgun. As reported by the San Antonio Express-News, the suspect reportedly racked the slide, told the victim he was keeping the money, and then escaped on a VIA bus. The case drew wider attention in January after Crime Stoppers publicized a reward while investigators followed up on tips.
Arrest update
Police say Perez is now in custody, though authorities have not released full booking or charging documents and the investigation remains active. Details about where and when he was taken into custody were not immediately provided, according to KENS5.
What the law says
If prosecutors allege a weapon was used, Texas law allows robbery to be charged as aggravated robbery, a first-degree felony with severe penalties. The statute, Texas Penal Code §29.03, outlines that the use or exhibition of a deadly weapon can elevate the offense to a first‑degree felony carrying a potential prison term of five to 99 years (or life) and fines up to $10,000; see the text of the law on Justia.
How to help
Officials continue to ask anyone with information or video related to the case to come forward. Per the San Antonio Express-News, Crime Stoppers was offering a reward and can be reached at 210-224-STOP, via sacrimestoppers.com, or through the P3 Tips app.
