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Suspects Arrested and Charged in Several Robberies

May 17, 2006 -- Charges have been filed against three suspects believed responsible for committing up to 28 robberies on the north side of the city from August 2005 thru March 2006.

The suspects, Lucas Reyes (H/m, DOB: 12-16-83), Odi Rivera (H/m, DOB: 1-18-82), and Juan Antonio Mendez (H/m, DOB: 3-24-86), have been arrested and charged with aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon in the 338th State District Court. Rivera and Mendez have each been charged with an additional count of aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon in the same court. More charges are pending against each of the suspects.

HPD Robbery Division Officer J. Tapia of the Latino Squad reported:

Several victims, who were robbed at gunpoint, positively identified the three suspects in a line-up. The suspects would target small businesses that primarily cater to the Hispanic community. The suspects, sometimes working alone or together in these robberies, would enter the business establishments as customers prior to the robberies. Shortly after, they would rob the individuals at the locations when they felt it was safe to do so, and in some cases assault the victims.

The suspects were arrested by Humble Police Department officers and Montgomery Sheriff's deputies on April 4 in the 6000 block of the Eastex Freeway (US 59 North) during an attempted carjacking.

Investigators believe the suspects may be responsible for additional robberies and are asking victims or individuals with additional information on the suspects to contact the HPD Robbery Division Latino Squad at 713-308-0700 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

MES/JFC 5-17-06
Inc. #121753605

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