Houston Police Department

March 3, 2005 -- Houston police robbery investigators are asking for the public's help in identifying a suspect wanted in as many as 18 robberies on the city's near
northside.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male with a dark complexion, about 18 to 20 years old, 5 feet 5 inches tall, and a medium build. Surveillance photos of the suspect are posted here:

Surveillance Photo #1
Surveillance Photo #2
Surveillance Photo #3

Officer D.L. Pena of the HPD Robbery Division's Latino Squad reported:

The robberies have occurred at small Hispanic-owned businesses near North Main, Cavalcade and Airline since September 2004. The last known robbery linked to the suspect happened back in January. In each incident, the suspect walks into the business and quickly looks around the store surroundings. He then goes to the cash register where he pulls a black automatic pistol from his waistband and demands money from the clerk. In some cases, the suspect has been seen leaving in a dark Buick type vehicle and in some others in a smaller vehicle, possibly a white Nissan Maxima or Toyota Camry.

Anyone with information on the identity of the suspect is urged to contact the HPD Robbery Division at 713-308-0700 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.