Weslaco, Texas — Two men accused of carrying out an armed robbery at a Vape City smoke shop in Weslaco last month are now facing federal charges after the incident escalated into an officer-involved shooting.
Federal prosecutors confirmed that Ryan Fredrick Sky Dille and Travis Claytin Wildeman were indicted in connection with the robbery at the Vape City location inside Westgate Plaza on West Business 83.
Federal Charges Filed Under Hobbs Act
According to court records, Dille and Wildeman were each charged with interference with commerce by threat or violence, commonly referred to as the Hobbs Act. The statute applies to robberies or attempted robberies that affect interstate or foreign commerce in any capacity.
Federal authorities stated that Vape City qualifies under the law because the store sells products sourced from California and China, placing its inventory within interstate and foreign commerce jurisdiction under federal guidelines.
The case is being prosecuted at the federal level by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Armed Robbery Details Inside Vape City
Federal documents indicate that both suspects were masked when they entered the store, which was open and operating at the time of the robbery.
A Vape City employee told investigators that Dille pointed a firearm directly at him while issuing commands. The employee reported being ordered to turn around, place his hands on his head, and hand over his cell phone.
While Dille held the employee at gunpoint, Wildeman allegedly moved through the store, taking merchandise from behind the counter and display areas.
Cash Register and Threats With Firearms
According to the employee’s statement, Dille demanded that the cash register be emptied. The worker complied, placing the money into a plastic bag while Dille continued pointing the firearm at him.
Court documents estimate that Dille and Wildeman remained inside the Vape City store for approximately seven minutes before law enforcement arrived and the situation escalated.
Officer-Involved Shooting During Response
As previously reported by authorities, responding officers entered the store during the robbery. Federal filings state that Dille pointed his firearm toward an officer, prompting the officer to discharge their weapon.
Dille was struck in both legs during the shooting. No officers or store employees were reported injured during the exchange.
Weapons Used in the Robbery
Investigators later confirmed that both firearms carried by the suspects were loaded at the time of the robbery. The weapons were identified as:
- FN Reflex 9mm pistol
- Sig Sauer P365 9mm
Federal prosecutors emphasized that the presence of loaded firearms led to additional charges for knowingly carrying a firearm during a crime of violence.
What Happens Next in Federal Court
Dille and Wildeman remain in federal custody as the case proceeds. Both men are scheduled to be arraigned on January 15, where they will formally hear the charges and enter pleas.
If convicted, the federal charges could carry significant prison sentences, particularly due to the firearm enhancements and the officer-involved shooting component of the case.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges may be filed or whether other individuals could be connected to the robbery. The investigation remains active as prosecutors continue reviewing evidence and witness statements.
The case highlights how armed robberies involving firearms and interstate commerce can quickly escalate into federal prosecutions with severe legal consequences.
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