A routine theft call at a Seguin Walmart escalated fast when a suspected shoplifter allegedly flashed a gun during the incident, according to police. The man, identified by authorities as 31-year-old Jose Angel Martinez, is accused of pulling the weapon during a January 31 shoplifting episode at the store.
Martinez was arrested in Seguin on February 13 and booked into the Guadalupe County Jail on a $150,000 bond. At the time of publication, he remained accused, not convicted, in the case.
Arrest and charges
An aggravated robbery warrant for Martinez was issued by 25th Judicial District Judge William D. Old III. Officers later took Martinez into custody in Seguin on February 13, according to KENS5. He was then booked into the Guadalupe County Jail, where his bond was set at $150,000.
What police say
Investigators say the confrontation began as a shoplifting incident inside the Walmart. According to police, a weapon was displayed during the episode, and a witness who tried to step in apparently prompted the suspect to flee the store.
Seguin police publicly thanked witnesses and officers who assisted in the case, the station reported, according to KENS5.
Legal implications
Under Texas law, using or showing a deadly weapon during a robbery can elevate the crime to aggravated robbery, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years or life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, per Texas Penal Code §29.03. Prosecutors would need to prove that Martinez displayed a firearm during the theft to support an aggravated robbery case under that statute.
Reporting note
Hoodline searched for additional local coverage, public records and a Seguin Police Department press release but did not find independent follow-up beyond the initial TV report and a police photo credited to the department at the time of publication. This story will be updated if more official information or court records become available.
