EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Two teenagers have been arrested after they allegedly carjacked a man at gunpoint and stole his truck under the pretense that they were trying to buy it, Socorro Police said.
The individuals were identified as Cesar Gonzalez and Jacob Julian Zambrano, both 17.
Zambrano was arrested by Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers for evading arrest and aggravated assault with no bond. He is facing an additional charge that is pending from the Socorro Police Department for aggravated robbery.
Gonzalez, who was the passenger after the theft, was turned over to detectives from the Socorro Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division.
He was charged with aggravated robbery, unlawful carrying of a weapon and evading arrest. His bonds totaled $157,000.
At about 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 22, officers from the Socorro Police Department were sent out to the 500 block of Dusk View Street about an aggravated robbery.
A male victim said he had been contacted through Facebook Marketplace about a truck he was trying to sell. He arranged to meet two individuals to view and test drive the vehicle.
The suspects arrived at the victim’s home and asked to test out the vehicle’s four-wheel drive capabilities.
The victim went with them to a desert area behind the 11400 block of North Loop.
Once out in the desert, one suspect pulled out a handgun and placed it to the back of the victim’s head, Socorro Police said.
The victim was ordered to his knees, while the second suspect urged his partner to “just do it,” Socorro Police said.
The suspects then fled the scene in the victim’s truck, police said.
At about 8 p.m. Monday, Texas DPS troopers said they saw the stolen vehicle swerving along Interstate 10 and Lee Trevino.
The vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit ensued.
The suspects were then taken into custody following the pursuit. Socorro Police did not say how the pursuit was ended.
Socorro Police Chief of Police Robert C. Rojas said: “We are grateful for the swift response and collaboration of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Their partnership directly resulted in the successful apprehension of these dangerous individuals. This is a clear example of how interagency cooperation keeps our community safe.”
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