POLICE Department

HPD Arrests Serial Robbery Suspect Posing as Police Officer


October 31, 2016 - Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested and believed responsible for committing at least nine robberies as he impersonated a police officer in the city's north side.  

The suspect, Alvaro Javier Hidalgo (H/m, 42), is charged with three counts of aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon in the 230th State District Court.  A photo of Hidalgo, also known as Alberto Jose Hernandez, is attached to this news release.  

Hidalgo is identified and charged in the following incidents:  

- 9404 North Freeway about 1:30 a.m. on Sept. 19 - the victim was at a Texaco gas station at the above address when he was approached by two Hispanic males.  One suspect (Hidalgo) flashed a badge and pointed a gun at the victim.  Suspects robbed the victim of his identification, cell phone and cash. 

- 9820 North Freeway about 6 p.m. on Sept. 26 - the victim was walking into the Katz Boutique when he was approached by a male (Hidalgo) with a radio and pistol tucked into his waistband.  The suspect identified himself as a police officer, pulled out a gun and demanded the victim's wallet, money and truck keys.  The suspect then fled the scene in the victim's truck.  

- 1302 North Loop about 10 a.m. on Oct. 1 - the victim was approached at the Star Stop by a suspect (Hidalgo) who identified himself as a police officer and asked if he had any work, narcotics or prostitutes.  The suspect then forced his way into the victim's vehicle and told him to drive to a nearby motel where he retrieved a safety vest from one of the rooms.  The suspect then drove the victim's vehicle to another nearby motel (Western Inn) and, at gunpoint, robbed the victim of cash.  The suspect spoke into what appeared to be a police radio as if he was speaking to other officers.  He then exited the vehicle, threatened to kill the victim if he ever saw him again and fled the scene.  

- Investigators believe Hidalgo may have had an accomplice who remains at large.  Anyone with additional information on these cases is urged to contact the HPD Major Offenders Division at 713-308-3100 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

   
suspect Alvaro Javier Hidalgo
suspect Alvaro Javier Hidalgo

VHS/JFC 10-31-16


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