September 20, 2019 - The Center Police Department has issued a press release relating to the suspect involved in the robbery of a Center gas station at gunpoint who has been apprended.
Press Release: The Center Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit responded to K&S Food Mart located at 462 State Highway 7 East in reference to an Aggravated Robbery that had occurred at approximately 4:53am on September 19, 2019.
The suspect later identified by detectives as Jonathan Vidal–Delacruz, 23, of Center had entered the store and attempted to fire a 9mm semi-auto pistol at the owner of the business. The weapon apparently malfunctioned and Delacruz then chambered another live round into the weapon and pointed it at the victim, demanding the cash from the register. The victim complied and then Delacruz left the store.
Detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence that Delacruz was staying in and were able to locate evidentiary items used in the crime.
Shelby County Today has learned Detectives later located Delacruz at a poultry farm on FM 415 near Timpson where he was taken into custody at around 5pm.
The Police Department would like to thank the Shelby County Sherriff’s Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers for their assistance and vital roles in the search warrant execution and apprehension of the suspect.
Delacruz is charged with Violation of Probation Warrant (Original charge Burglary), Failure to Identify Fugitive from Justice (M-A), Aggravated Robbery (First Degree Felony) Attempted Capital Murder (First Degree Felony).
The Street Crimes Unit is currently working with the Department of Homeland Security. Delacruz is also being held on an Immigration Detainer and will face Federal charges of Alien in Possession of Firearm and Re-entry after deportation offenses.
September 19, 2019 - Center PD Officers are currently searching for an individual who robbed a gas station clerk at gunpoint early Thursday morning, September 19, 2019 at 4:53am.
According to Sgt. Chris Knowlton, the suspect entered the KS Food Mart located at 462 Hwy. 7 East at the intersection with Loop 500 and pulled a gun on the clerk.
The assailant took around $200 from the clerk and fled the scene in a vehicle.
Officers are actively seeking the suspect.
Descriptors on the individual haven't been released at this time.
Shelby County Today will update with additional information when it’s made available.
