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HPD Arrests Serial Robbers
March 22, 2005 -- Houston police
robbery investigators have arrested two suspects believed responsible
for as many as 14 robberies in the Houston area.
One suspect, Jonathan Ray Villarreal (H/m DOB:
2-09-87), has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly
weapon and aggravated robbery in the 262nd State District Court.
A female suspect, 16, has been referred to Harris
County Juvenile Probation officials on a charge of unauthorized
use of a motor vehicle. It was discovered she was out on parole
from the Texas Youth Commission.
HPD Robbery Division Officer A. Mejia reported:
Officer A. Mejia was assigned a serial robbery
investigation involving an adult male and a female Hispanic juvenile.
The investigation showed two suspects committed a total of 14
aggravated robberies throughout the city of Houston. The robbery
crime spree began on Saturday, March 12, 2005, and ended after
an officer-involved shooting on Sunday, March 13, 2005, at 2100
Nina Lee Lane and the arrests of the suspects.
The pair would approach individuals in business
parking lots, streets and bus stops. The female suspect would
drive the vehicle while Villarreal would get out armed with a
knife or handgun and demand money, and in some cases commit carjackings.
Houston police officers observed the female driving a Dodge Intrepid,
which was taken at gunpoint. Villarreal was driving behind her
in a Ford Ranger truck, also taken in a carjacking.
While Houston officers were conducting a felony
traffic stop on the female suspect, Villarreal, driving the Ranger
truck, accelerated and drove at the officers. An officer discharged
his weapon at the suspect, but Villarreal was able to flee. After
a brief vehicle pursuit, officers were able to place both suspects
into custody.
Robbery investigators have obtained positive
identification on both suspects on various other robberies and
expect to file additional robbery charges.
MES/JFC
3-22-05
For additional information, please
contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.
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