Edinburg Police arrest two suspects in armed robbery investigation within 12 hours of crime

Edinburg News, Edinburg TX News, armed robbery, Edinburg Police

Photo above: Two suspects arrested within 12 hours of an armed robbery by Edinburg Police. At left is Hugo Enrique Ochoa and Javier Villanueva at right. Photo courtesy Edinburg Police Department.

Staff Report

Edinburg, TX –

Quick action and a rapid investigation led Edinburg police to arrested two suspects in connection with an aggravated robbery reported Friday afternoon last week at a business along East University Drive. Police captured both suspects within 12 hours of the armed robbery.

Aggravated robbery reported at Xoom Express

According to the Edinburg Police Department, officers responded at about 12:48 p.m. Jan. 9 to a robbery at Xoom Express, located at 1402 E. University Drive. Investigators determined that two male suspects were involved.

Police said one suspect, armed with a handgun, robbed a customer inside the business and then forced an employee to provide access to store funds, including the cash register and an on-site ATM. A second suspect remained outside acting as a lookout. No injuries were reported.

Suspects taken into custody

Later that day, police apprehended one of the alleged suspects following a traffic stop that led to a brief foot pursuit in the area of East Trenton Road. Francisco Javier Villanueva, 56, of San Juan, was taken into custody Friday, Jan. 9, police said.

Later that night

At about 11 p.m. the same day, Edinburg police, working with the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, responded to the 600 block of Water Street in San Juan regarding the second suspect. Officers took the suspect into custody without incident and identified him as Hugo Enrique Ochoa, 37, also of San Juan.

Both suspects were arraigned on Sunday. Francisco Javier Villanueva was charged with three counts of Aggravated Robbery and Evading Arrest. His total bond was set at $310,000. Hugo Ochoa was charged with three counts of Aggravated Robbery. His total bond was set at $300,000.

Investigation continues

Police said the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to the robbery is asked to contact the Edinburg Police Department at 956-289-7700 or Edinburg Crime Stoppers at 956-383-8477.

Source — Edinburg Police Department.