What began as a lunchtime snack run turned into an armed robbery for a 17-year-old student. Police say the same group was later tied to another attack at the same store, while one suspect was accused in two additional mall robberies.
On May 4, 2026, at approximately 12:45 p.m., a 17-year-old Stevens High School student left campus during his lunch break and walked to a Circle K in the 9800 block of Potranco Road in San Antonio, Texas, to buy snacks.
Investigators said the student was approached by 17-year-old Amir Notario, 18-year-old Omar Timothy John Saenz and 18-year-old Damian Zertuche.
The student told investigators he had previously considered Zertuche a close friend.
According to court records, Zertuche allegedly held a firearm pointed toward the ground and demanded the student’s backpack and belongings.
Saenz then allegedly struck the student in the face with a pistol.
Investigators said Zertuche and Saenz searched the student’s backpack and took his gold chain, ring, sunglasses, phone charger and wallet while Notario acted as a lookout.
When other people approached the store, the three allegedly fled on foot.
The student returned to school before going home and reporting the robbery to police.
On May 17, 2026, Zertuche was allegedly involved in two additional robberies at separate shopping malls.
At approximately 4:30 p.m., a 16-year-old boy at Ingram Park Mall told investigators that Zertuche snatched chains from around his neck and pointed a gun at him before fleeing.
Shortly after 5 p.m., a 17-year-old boy at North Star Mall reported that Zertuche forcefully removed a necklace from him, assaulted him and displayed a firearm before leaving the area.
On May 18, 2026, just after 3:30 p.m., officers responded to the same Circle K on Potranco Road after another Stevens High School student was assaulted.
Investigators said the 18-year-old student was returning to campus when Notario, Saenz and Zertuche confronted him.
According to court records, Notario accused the student of talking about them and demanded his belongings.
The student told investigators that one of the three displayed a gun.
When the student said he had nothing to give them, one of the suspects allegedly pistol-whipped him in the face.
The three eventually walked away.
A friend later found the injured student and helped him contact school staff and police.
Investigators said the student had a swollen nose, bleeding from one nostril and a swollen lip.
Authorities later tracked Notario, Saenz and Zertuche to a nearby apartment complex and arrested them.
On May 19, 2026, the North Star Mall victim identified Zertuche in a photo lineup. Investigators said Zertuche also admitted his involvement in that robbery.
On May 20, 2026, the Ingram Park Mall victim and a witness identified Zertuche as the suspect in that incident.
On June 30, 2026, Notario and Saenz were indicted on charges connected to the May 18 incident.
Zertuche was also indicted that day on an aggravated robbery charge connected to the May 17 North Star Mall robbery.
On July 15, 2026, a judge reduced Notario’s bond and placed him on house arrest.
On August 11, 2026, Zertuche was indicted on aggravated robbery, robbery and theft from a person charges connected to the Ingram Park Mall incident.
On August 13, 2026, all three were indicted in connection with the May 4 robbery.
Saenz and Zertuche were each indicted on two counts of aggravated robbery and one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Notario was indicted on two counts of aggravated robbery.
All three also face engaging in organized criminal activity charges, which prosecutors said were still awaiting indictment.
Zertuche’s combined bond across nine charges stemming from the May 4, May 17 and May 18 incidents was set at $625,000.
Notario and Saenz are scheduled to appear in court on August 21, 2026.
Zertuche’s next court appearance in connection with the North Star Mall robbery is scheduled for September 14, 2026.
