San Juan police search for robbery suspect with bullet lodged in head

SAN JUAN — Police are searching for a suspect in two aggravated robberies early Monday morning, San Juan police Chief Juan Gonzalez said.

One robbery occurred about 1:30 a.m. Monday at a Stripes convenience store at the intersection of Nolana and Raul Longoria roads. The other happened about 3:30 a.m. at another Stripes store at the intersection of Raul Longoria and Expressway 83.

From store surveillance video, police were able to identify Joshua Bazan, 21, as a suspect, the chief said. Bazan was the victim of a drive-by shooting in December. He still has a bullet lodged in his forehead, and police believe he may be using sunglasses to cover his scars.

Bazan and a second man took cash and beer during the robberies, Gonzalez said. No injuries were reported.

On Wednesday night, police recovered a red Mustang convertible from Bazan's home near the intersection of Farm-to-Market Road 495 and Cesar Chavez Road, the chief said. The same vehicle was used in both robberies.

Officers found clothes and food inside the Mustang, indicating Bazan may have been attempting to flee the area, Gonzalez said. Police are also looking for Lee Roy Cobarrubias, 18, in connection with the robberies.

The Alamo men may be members a local gang, the chief said.

Gonzalez said the men should be considered armed and dangerous.

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Ana Ley covers law enforcement and general assignments for The Monitor. She can be reached at (956) 683-4428.