The Austin Police Department (APD) has arrested a 37-year-old man named Alexander Sanabria during a violent crime spree that targeted multiple gas stations throughout the city between November 24 and November 25, 2024. Sanabria is suspected of shooting rounds and robbing many petrol stations at gunpoint. He is charged with aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, and firearm violations.
Officers from the APD responded to a report of gunfire at the All Star petrol station on Nuckols Crossing Road on November 24, 2024, at around 11:17 p.m. Sanabria entered the store, took a revolver out of his jacket, fired several shots into the establishment, and then fled on foot, according to surveillance footage taken at the site. Although there were no reported injuries, the gunshot caused damage to the store. The Aggravated Assault Unit of the APD started looking into the incident.
On November 25, 2024, at around 9:23 a.m., Sanabria struck the Chevron gas station on Scofield Ridge Parkway once more. According to the cashier, Sanabria first attempted to pay for the petrol but grew combative when she was asked to do so. After being denied the money he requested from the register, he took out a gun, blasted the ceiling, and then ran off with a stolen case of beer. Store security footage of the suspect’s activities was crucial to his identification.
A few minutes later, Sanabria was a part of a third robbery at the Wells Branch Food Mart, where he once more used a firearm to demand money and gasoline from the cashier. After obtaining stolen gasoline, he took off in the white Chevrolet Cruz that had been used in the two prior thefts.
Another robbery took place at a 7-Eleven gas store on Research Boulevard at 9:40 a.m. that same morning. Armed and brandishing his revolver, Sanabria stole money from the store and drove off again. Using witness accounts, security footage, and the description of the involved vehicle, detectives were able to rapidly connect the instances.
Sanabria was involved in another theft at the QuikTrip gas station on FM 969 by 1:25 p.m., where he grabbed money and threatened staff with a gun. Using Sanabria’s social media accounts, vehicle description, and physical characteristics seen in the surveillance tape, police started working on his identification during this period.
Law enforcement organizations, including the Round Rock Police Department, Travis County Sheriff’s Office, Pflugerville Police Department, and Department of Public Safety, found the white Chevrolet Cruz with Sanabria inside at around 3:48 p.m. Sanabria smashed the car during the ensuing high-speed chase. After being arrested, he was brought to the hospital to receive treatment for facial injuries he had acquired in the collision.
A silver-slided black pistol that matched the weapon seen in surveillance film at the robbery scenes and described by witnesses was found during a subsequent search of Sanabria’s car. Later that evening, Sanabria left the hospital and was arrested on a number of counts pertaining to the car chase, shootings, and robberies.
The arrest of a suspect who constituted a continuous threat to the community was made possible by the collaboration and prompt efforts of the surrounding law enforcement authorities, for which the Austin Police Department expressed gratitude. The inquiry is still ongoing, and as more material is examined, additional charges could be brought.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!