Packed 8-Liner Establishment Robbed at Gunpoint, AK-47 Used

Robbers used an AK-47 to hold up an illegal 8-liner establishment in Brownsville shortly after midnight July 2.

Investigators with the Cameron County District Attorney’s Office assisted the Sheriff’s Department in responding to an aggravated robbery at a secluded gambling establishment. The establishment was one of three located together at 1213 F.M. 511.

A patron made the 911 call stating that “she was really scared” and that she was “playing maquinitas” at the first establishment when she heard someone yell to stay quiet and not to move.

Another patron stated she heard a male subject yell “Esto es un asalto”. The patron later heard gunfire after the male subject demanded entry into one of the establishments. A witness later saw the male subject flee in a newer model, red vehicle that was waiting for him.

Two live rounds of an AK-47 were recovered at the rear entrance of the establishment where the robbery took place.

District Attorney Luis V. Saenz said fortunately, a patron called 911 to immediately report the robbery in progress.

“Because these establishments are already operating illegally, owners do not generally call authorities when a robbery, assault or other very dangerous crime occurs making them highly targeted,” District Attorney Saenz said. “We’ve said it before, and we will continue to say it: The illegal 8-liner industry draws more criminal activity that puts patrons in extreme danger.”