24 suspects linked to Houston robberies amid ongoing investigation
HOUSTON - Authorities on Monday announced the arrest of several suspects in connection to robberies targeting people near high-end stores and affluent areas in Houston.
Mayor Sylvester Turner, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner, Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski of the Houston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and several others discussed the arrests and ongoing investigation during a press conference on Monday.
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"Those placed under arrest targeted innocent people because they were driving luxury vehicles and wearing expensive jewelry. Nearly all of the suspects have ties to violent gangs, and they have criminal histories," Mayor Sylvester Turner said.
The mayor says people were targeted in parts of southwest Houston including near the Galleria-area, Uptown and Highland Village.
Authorities announce arrests in connection to Houston robberies
Mayor Sylvester Turner, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner, and Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski of the Houston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive, discuss the arrest of several suspects in connection to robberies in Houston.
Authorities say while watches and expensive jewelry were often targeted, sometimes victims were followed home and there would be a home invasion.
Police say they believe the crews are responsible for a League City homicide, as well as the deadly shooting of an off-duty New Orleans police officer and another man outside of a restaurant.
RELATED: 2nd victim in Galleria-area robbery that also killed off-duty New Orleans PD officer, dies
HPD Robbery Division Commander Tinsely Guinn-Shaver says 24 suspects have been identified working two different crews – a dayshift crew and a nightshift crew.
Police say people were targeted for expensive watches and jewelery in affluent areas in Houston.
According to Commander Guinn-Shaver, 14 defendants remain in jail on state charges, four defendants remain in jail on federal charges, and two have been charged and have alluded capture.
Police say Jeremi Haynes is wanted for capital murder. According to HPD, Jontrail Myles was charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery, received a bond, and did not show back up for court.
"Five suspects have been charged with capital murder. We've charged 36 state charges on aggravated related charges from aggravated robbery to conspiracy. We have seven federal charges," Commander Guinn-Shaver said.
The commander says evidence is still being processed and more charges are possible.