SAN ANTONIO – An 18-year-old man is now behind bars, facing a string of aggravated robbery charges after what authorities describe as a “brazen and violent crime spree” that left a 19-year-old woman fighting for her life.
According to the San Antonio Police Department, Manuel Morgan was arrested this week in connection with a terrifying social media setup that took place in the early morning hours of April 2. Investigators say Morgan, along with three other teens, orchestrated a plan to lure a victim to a remote neighborhood on the northeast side of the city using Instagram as a trap.
The Ambush on Desert View
Court documents reveal that a juvenile suspect initially contacted the 19-year-old victim on Instagram, pretending to be a buyer interested in purchasing vape cigarettes. The meeting point was set for the 4100 block of Desert View, just after 1:30 a.m. Unaware of the deadly intentions awaiting her, the woman arrived expecting a simple transaction.
What happened next was described by detectives as “a cold-blooded ambush.”
As soon as she pulled up, Morgan and another teen emerged from the shadows armed with a handgun. They ordered the woman to hand over her belongings at gunpoint. When she attempted to flee in her vehicle, Morgan reportedly opened fire, striking her multiple times as she tried desperately to escape.
Police say she was hit in the face, wrist, and stomach before managing to drive a short distance away. Despite her severe injuries, she was able to call 911 from inside her car. Responding officers found her slumped over the steering wheel, bleeding heavily. She was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition, where doctors performed emergency surgery to save her life.
Part of a Larger Pattern of Violence
Authorities believe this incident is part of a growing trend of violent crimes involving teenagers using social media to target unsuspecting victims. Detectives investigating the case say there have been multiple reports of similar ambush-style robberies in the area around First View and Perrin Beitel.
“This wasn’t random—it was calculated,” one investigator told reporters. “They’re exploiting social media platforms to prey on people, and in this case, it almost cost a young woman her life.”
A History of Violence
Further digging into Morgan’s background revealed he was already wanted for another violent crime. On July 16, just months after the April ambush, Morgan allegedly attempted to steal merchandise from the Macy’s store inside South Park Mall. When a loss prevention officer tried to intervene, Morgan reportedly pulled a gun, pointed it at the employee, and fled the store.
Police say Morgan’s escalating behavior made his arrest a top priority. “This individual demonstrated a complete disregard for human life,” said SAPD Chief William McManus. “He has shown a willingness to use deadly force not once, but multiple times. Getting him off the streets was essential.”
Charges and Ongoing Investigation
Morgan is currently facing multiple charges of aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon, with more charges expected as investigators continue to review other unsolved incidents in the area. The three other suspects involved in the April 2 attack are also being sought by authorities, including the juvenile who allegedly set up the meeting via Instagram.
Meanwhile, the 19-year-old victim remains in the hospital, where family members say she is showing slow signs of recovery after enduring several surgeries. Her case has become a rallying point for discussions on the dangers of meeting strangers through social media platforms.
“This could happen to anyone,” a family member said. “She thought she was making a simple sale. Now she’s fighting for her life.”
Police urge anyone with information about similar crimes or the identities of the other suspects involved to contact Crime Stoppers at (210) 224-STOP.
As San Antonio grapples with this latest instance of social media-fueled violence, law enforcement continues to warn residents: “Always meet in safe, public places—and never let your guard down.”
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