Houston Police Department

April 14, 2005 -- Houston police robbery investigators have arrested a suspect wanted in as many as six robberies, including those committed against two callers to a Houston radio station.

The suspect, Raul Cornejo Chavez (H/m, DOB 7-4-62), is charged with two counts of aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon in the 262nd State District Court. He is accused in the robberies of two persons who had called area radio station 98.5 FM "La Raza" and solicited work live on the radio.

HPD Robbery Division Officer A. Mejia reported:

Two male victims had called 98.5 FM Radio and told listeners they would work for money. The victims gave the listening audience their names and phone numbers. The radio show runs weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. The suspect listened to the two callers, arranged to meet them and said he would pay them $12 per hour. In each case, Chavez used a cell phone to contact the victims. The victims said the suspect drove a Ford Windstar van and drove each man separately to an apartment complex on the southeast side of the city. Once at the complex, the suspect produced either a gun or knife and demanded the victim's money. The victims complied and the suspect drove away.

Chavez was developed as a suspect through his use of the cell phone. Investigators in the Robbery Division Latino Squad assisted in canvassing an area where the suspect's van was located. Chavez was then arrested without incident. The cell phone used by the suspect was recovered. While being questioned, Chavez confessed to both robberies and four other incidents.

Based on information provided by the radio station, investigators believe there are many other unreported incidents and victims who have not yet come forward. Anyone who believes Chavez victimized him or her is urged to contact the HPD Robbery Division at 713-308-0700.

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