They allegedly stole beer, but forgot a cell phone

EDINBURG — Three men who police said went on a beer-stealing spree early Wednesday morning, made off with alcohol but forgot their cell phone.

So one of the suspected thieves called and arranged to meet the man on the other end of the line at an apartment complex at Jackson Road and Agua Fina.

There, instead of getting back the cell phone, the men were arrested.

The three men were arraigned Thursday in Edinburg Municipal Court. Alex Molina, who police said was in his early 20s, was charged with robbery and aggravated robbery and received a $75,000 bond for both charges.

Luis Alberto Gongora, 21, was charged with one count of robbery and aggravated robbery. He received a $75,000 bond.

Ruben Homero Ramos, 21, was charged with aggravated robbery and possession of marijuana. He received a $55,000 bond.

The men are suspected of stealing beer from the Stripes Convenience Store at 1218 E. Canton Road about 2:10 a.m. Wednesday. The clerk at the store tried to stop the men from leaving, but was pushed aside, according to the release.

Minutes later at the Stripes Convenience Store at 2626 S. Sugar Road, the men again stole more beer. This time the clerk was threatened with a knife when he tried to stop one of the men. Nobody was injured.

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Sean Gaffney covers law enforcement and general assigments for The Monitor. He can be reached at (956) 683-4434.