West Side San Antonio robbery leaves victim slashed with machete; police say suspect fled in SUV

Attack reported in early-morning hours near Ruiz Street and North Zarzamora

San Antonio police are investigating a robbery on the city’s West Side in which a man was cut in the face with a machete and had personal items stolen. The suspect had not been arrested as of the latest public police account of the incident.

The attack was reported around 2:15 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, in the 1500 block of Ruiz Street. Officers responding to a call described as a “cutting in progress” located a 37-year-old man suffering a severe facial laceration.

What police say happened

In a preliminary report, the victim told officers he was near the intersection of Ruiz Street and North Zarzamora when an unknown man approached and demanded his wallet. After the victim refused to hand it over, the suspect struck him in the face with a machete, police said.

The suspect then took the victim’s wallet and cell phone. Police said the assailant fled before officers arrived.

Police described the victim’s injuries as non-life-threatening. He was treated at a hospital.

Vehicle described; no suspect description released

Investigators reported that the robber left the area in an older-model Chevrolet Trailblazer. Beyond the vehicle description, police did not release a physical description of the suspect in the initial report, and no arrest was announced.

Cases involving edged weapons are typically investigated as robberies with an assault component, with detectives working to corroborate witness statements and identify suspects through any available evidence such as surveillance footage from nearby homes or businesses, as well as potential vehicle sightings.

How investigations commonly develop after robberies involving weapons

• Police canvass the area for surveillance video and witnesses who may have seen the suspect or the vehicle.

• Investigators document the victim’s injuries and collect any physical evidence that may connect a suspect to the assault.

• Stolen property—particularly phones—can sometimes be tracked if recovered or if account activity provides leads, depending on circumstances and legal process.

The investigation remained ongoing as of the last update provided in the public police report. Anyone with information tied to the incident, including sightings of an older Chevrolet Trailblazer connected to suspicious activity near Ruiz Street and North Zarzamora around the time of the robbery, is urged to contact San Antonio police.