Two Corpus Christi Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Armed Robberies of Vape City Stores

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Two local men have been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in multiple armed robberies targeting Vape City establishments in Corpus Christi, culminating in a dangerous high-speed chase with law enforcement officials.

The incident originally unfolded on Tuesday morning, July 9, 2024, when Corpus Christi police officers responded to reports of back-to-back armed robberies at two separate Vape City locations. According to police reports, two suspects entered the businesses brandifying weapons and demanding cash and merchandise before fleeing the scene in a getaway vehicle. Authorities quickly spotted the suspect vehicle, initiating a high-speed pursuit through city streets that put members of the public at risk before officers were able to bring the vehicle to a stop and apprehend both suspects.

Following a federal investigation and subsequent court proceedings, the two defendants were convicted and sentenced in August 2025. Federal prosecutors emphasized the dangerous nature of the offenses, highlighting the threat posed to business employees and the community during the robberies and the subsequent pursuit. One defendant received a significant prison term for his direct involvement in targeting the stores and leading the high-speed chase, while the second accomplice was also handed a federal prison sentence for his role in the robberies. Both men will serve their terms in federal penitentiaries followed by periods of supervised release.