UNIVERSAL CITY, Texas – A young man with a troubling past was arrested after a serious police operation that involved multiple agencies. This arrest is connected to at least two robberies where the suspects used online platforms to trick male victims, according to Universal City police.
The suspect, Joseph Anthony Aguilar, who is just 18 years old, was linked to these crimes through police investigations. There is still a female suspect who has not been caught.
In one incident, a male victim was attacked and robbed after meeting someone he had communicated with online. The victim was even pistol-whipped during the encounter.
The second case involved a teenage boy who was shot multiple times when he arrived at a location on Villa Drive to meet a girl he met online. This happened on Monday morning and was particularly alarming.
After being shot, the wounded teen managed to reach a nearby coffee shop called On The Grind, where helpful bystanders found him and called for emergency help. Thankfully, he was taken to the hospital and is now recovering from his injuries, which are not life-threatening.
Police believe that both suspects lived at the Villa Mesa Apartments in Universal City, raising concerns about safety in the area.
Aguilar is now facing serious charges, specifically two counts of aggravated robbery, according to records from the Bexar County jail.
In the wake of these incidents, advocacy groups focused on online safety are urging parents and guardians to have important conversations with their kids. It’s crucial to discuss the dangers of online lures and to encourage reporting any suspicious activity to local law enforcement.
