Two Suspects Wanted in Violent Houston Aggravated Robbery

Houston police are asking for the public’s help in locating two 20-year-olds accused of carrying out a violent robbery last month in southeast Houston. Detectives say Joseph Aguilar and Alejandra Banegas are wanted for aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon in connection with a shooting on November 2.

According to investigators, the victim told officers he met a woman through a dating app and agreed to pick her up at a hotel. After getting food together, she asked him to drive down a street in the 3700 block of Turner. When the victim stopped the car and briefly stepped out, an armed man approached him with a small assault-style rifle and demanded his belongings.

Police say a struggle broke out before the gunman fired several rounds, barely missing the victim. The victim ran back to his car and drove away as the woman fled with the suspect. As he drove off, more shots were fired at his vehicle, hitting the doors and taillights. He later contacted police and filed a report. No injuries were reported.

A follow-up investigation by the Houston Police Robbery Division identified Aguilar and Banegas as the suspects. Detectives obtained aggravated robbery warrants for both on November 19 through the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. As of December 3, neither suspect has been located.

Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000 for information that leads to charges or arrests. Tips must be submitted directly to Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous and qualify for a reward. Anyone with information is asked to call 713-222-TIPS, submit a tip online at crime-stoppers.org, or use the Crime Stoppers mobile app.

Wanted:
• Joseph Aguilar, 20 – Aggravated Robbery (Deadly Weapon)
• Alejandra Banegas, 20 – Aggravated Robbery (Deadly Weapon)

Both cases are filed with the 338th District Court under Houston PD case #1440497-25.