Suspect Arrested After Violent Crime Spree Targeting Austin Gas Stations

A 37-year-old man, identified as Alexander Sanabria, has been arrested by the Austin Police Department (APD) after a violent crime spree that targeted several gas stations across the city from November 24 to November 25, 2024. Sanabria, who faces multiple charges including aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, and firearm offenses, is accused of firing shots and robbing multiple gas stations at gunpoint.

The first incident occurred on November 24, 2024, at approximately 11:17 p.m., when APD officers responded to a call of shots fired at the All Star gas station on Nuckols Crossing Road. Surveillance footage from the scene showed Sanabria entering the store, pulling a gun from his jacket, and firing multiple shots into the store before fleeing on foot. No injuries were reported, but the store was left damaged by the gunfire. APD’s Aggravated Assault Unit began investigating the case.

The following morning, at approximately 9:23 a.m. on November 25, 2024, Sanabria struck again at the Chevron gas station on Scofield Ridge Parkway. The clerk reported that Sanabria had initially tried to pay for gas but became aggressive when asked for payment. He demanded money from the register and, after being refused, pulled out a firearm and fired a shot into the ceiling before fleeing with a stolen case of beer. The suspect’s actions were captured on store surveillance, which was critical in identifying him.

Minutes later, Sanabria was involved in a third robbery at the Wells Branch Food Mart, where he again demanded gasoline and cash from the clerk while brandishing a weapon. He obtained stolen gas and fled in the same vehicle, a white Chevrolet Cruz, seen at the previous two robberies.

At 9:40 a.m. that same morning, another robbery occurred at a 7-Eleven gas station on Research Boulevard. Sanabria, now armed and displaying a gun, robbed the store of cash before fleeing once more in his vehicle. Detectives quickly linked the incidents through surveillance footage, witness statements, and the description of the vehicle involved.

By 1:25 p.m., Sanabria was involved in another robbery at the QuikTrip gas station on FM 969, where he threatened employees with a firearm and stole cash. During this time, detectives began to work on identifying Sanabria, using his social media handles, vehicle description, and physical features captured in the surveillance footage.

At approximately 3:48 p.m., law enforcement agencies—including Pflugerville Police Department, Travis County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Public Safety, and Round Rock Police Department—located the white Chevrolet Cruz with Sanabria inside. A high-speed chase ensued, during which Sanabria crashed the vehicle. He was arrested and taken to the hospital for treatment of facial injuries sustained during the crash.

A subsequent search of Sanabria’s vehicle revealed a black handgun with a silver slide, which matched the weapon described by witnesses and seen in surveillance footage at the robbery scenes. Sanabria was released from the hospital later that night and booked into jail on numerous charges related to the robberies, shootings, and vehicle pursuit.

The Austin Police Department thanked surrounding law enforcement agencies for their coordination and swift actions, which ultimately led to the arrest of a suspect who posed an ongoing danger to the community. The investigation remains active, and further charges may be filed as more evidence is reviewed.