San Angelo Man Arrested for Aggravated Robbery After Knife Threat

SAN ANGELO - A resident of San Angelo was apprehended by local law enforcement for aggravated robbery following an episode involving a knife threat. 

The incident occurred on Sunday, Nov. 26. 

According to the San Angelo Police Department, Rodney Villafranco, while in the process of committing theft, made threats with a knife. 

The crime unfolded when a victim reported that Villafranco initiated an attack, demanding money during the assault.

"The defendant had a knife and had pushed (a victim) to the floor and was kicking him," information provided to San Angelo Live stated. "The defendant then threatened (another victim) with the knife and punched and kicked her."

One of the victims disclosed that Villafranco demanded all of her money. The information stated that the victim had “maybe” $35. 

The victim continued to state that the defendant demanded more money. 

Villafranco then made the victim go with her at knifepoint in her vehicle to the Stripes convenience store at 1606 La Follette to withdraw money from an ATM machine, the information read. 

Upon entering the store, a confrontation ensued in the parking lot between Villafranco and an unidentified individual. 

The victim then alerted store staff and requested police assistance.

“The store staff then hid her in the cooler area of the store from the defendant (Villafranco),” the information stated. 

Villafranco entered the store, searching for the female victim, only to be informed that she was in the restroom. 

Following this, he departed from the store.

Upon investigation, law enforcement observed injuries on the victim's wrists, neck, chest, and face, consistent with a recent assault. 

Rodney Lee Villafranco is currently in custody, facing charges related to aggravated robbery.