Staff report 

A man wanted in connection with the armed robbery of a gas station in Buda last week was arrested in Austin May 17.

According to a city of Buda press release, Austin Police arrested Eric Hayes, 28, who was booked into the Travis County Jail on charges of Aggravated Robbery and Possession of Marijuana. Hayes is being held on $42,000 bond. 

At approximately 10:40 p.m. May 16, the Buda Police Department responded to an armed robbery call at the Murphy USA Gas Station at 1615 Main Street. 

The suspect, armed with a knife, demanded money from the cash register. 

Officers canvassed the area, but were unable to locate the suspect. Officers reviewed the surveillance video at the scene and were able to identify a White Chrysler 300 as the suspect vehicle, a possible license plate number, and a description of the suspect.

Less than 24 hours later, the Murphy USA at 710 E. Ben White Boulevard in Austin was robbed at roughly 6 a.m. May 17. 

A vehicle description, which was a white Chrysler 300, and license plate number were provided to Austin Police. 

APD determined that the vehicle was registered to 21-year-old Erick Lovelace. Officers later observed the suspect vehicle traveling on Deatonhill Drive in Austin, near Lovelace’s home, and they conducted a traffic stop. 

The driver was identified as 28-year-old Eric Hayes, with Lovelace identified as a passenger in the vehicle.

Hayes and Lovelace were arrested and taken to the Travis County Jail.

Based on the surveillance video, the Buda Police Department was able to match the license plate number to the vehicle stopped by Austin Police. 

After comparing the surveillance video, it was also determined that Eric Hayes was the primary suspect in both gas station robberies.

Investigations into the crimes are ongoing. A trial date hasn’t been set for Hayes.