Press release from the Del Rio Police Department
On September 29, 2026, at approximately 1:53 a.m., officers with the Del Rio Police Department responded to the Stripes Convenience Store located in the 1300 block of E. Gibbs Street regarding a disturbance between an employee and a customer.
Upon arrival, officers learned that a male suspect had allegedly attempted to steal merchandise from the
store. During the incident, the employee contacted police, at which point the suspect became upset and allegedly displayed a knife in an aggressive manner, threatening the employee.
Officers located the suspect at the scene and attempted to identify him. The suspect provided officers with false identifying information, giving the name and age of a relative.
Through further investigation, officers positively identified the suspect as Arnold Mendoza Jr., 35. A records inquiry revealed that Mendoza had an active arrest warrant for Probation Violation (Fraud).
Mendoza was taken into custody on the outstanding warrant and was additionally charged with Failure to Identify Fugitive – Intent to Give False Information.
As officers continued their investigation, they obtained statements and additional evidence indicating that Mendoza had displayed the knife during the commission of the alleged theft. Officers also located and recovered the knife at the scene.
Based on the totality of the investigation, Mendoza was additionally charged with Aggravated Robbery.
Mendoza was transported to the Del Rio Police Department, where he was processed on the charges. He was subsequently released to the custody of the GEO Correctional Facility pending the magistration process.
