2nd suspect issued $400k bond in social media aggravated robbery

MISSION, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The second suspect involved in an aggravated robbery has been arraigned.

The suspect, identified as Matthew Ortiz, was arraigned on Saturday, May 10, at the City of Mission Municipal Court on the charges of aggravated robbery and engaging in organized criminal activity.

Background

At approximately 1:28 a.m. on Friday, April 25, the Mission Police Department responded to an aggravated robbery at the 1300 block of Magdalena Street.

According to a news release, a 19-year-old woman told dispatch she was picked up in a white 2019 Dodge Ram, with three men whom she met through social media.

The woman reported to police, she was strangled by one of the men while being held at gunpoint, meanwhile, the front passengers stole her belongings.

After robbing her, they dropped her off at Jorgeanna and Westbound Frontage, the release added.

Authorities identified one of the suspects as 18-year-old Robert Victor Morales. He was identified as the man in the backseat of the Dodge Ram.

On May 9, authorities issued a search warrant and arrest warrant on the second suspect, later identified as Ortiz, who was the driver of the Dodge Ram.

Authorities went to his residence in Weslaco to recover any evidence connected to the investigation, however, Ortiz had left his residence when authorities arrived.

DPS conducted a traffic stop on Ortiz and arrested him in Weslaco, approximately half a mile away from his residence, authorities say.

His arraignment was held on Saturday afternoon, where he was issued a total bond of $400,000.

The Mission Police Department is searching for the third suspect involved in the aggravated robbery.