Houston Police Department

March 29, 2007 -- Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in the fatal shooting of a man at 8800 Hammerly about 11:35 p.m. on February 17. Houston police investigators have learned the suspect was involved in other robberies, believe other victims exist and encourage them to come forward.

The suspect, identified as Angel Gabriel Ramos (H/m, DOB: 8-23-77), is charged with capital murder in the 180th State District Court. A photo of Vargas is attached to this news release.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant E. Gonzalez and Officer R. Chappell reported:

One of the victims, Prisiliano Arizmendez, 47, was leaving a parking lot at 8800 Hammerly when Ramos approached him and demanded his wallet. The second victim saw the confrontation as Ramos shot Mr. Arizmendez. The second victim physically fought with Ramos but was also shot. Both victims were taken to a local hospital in critical condition. Arizmendez died three days later.

After reviewing several robberies with similarities, HPD Robbery Division Sergeant D. Silva and Officer A. Mejia linked Ramos as their suspect.

In most cases, Ramos was armed with a semiautomatic pistol, approached victims while in parking lots of apartment complexes and demanded money. The victims generally would comply and Ramos, without any provocation, would shoot them. In one case, Ramos shot the victim once in the head and attempted to shoot again but the gun jammed.

Ramos was arrested without incident at a motel at 12170 Northwest Freeway on March 22 and found in possession of a loaded .40-caliber glock pistol with 77 live rounds. He was arrested for his involvement in the aggravated robbery of Alfredo Salvador, 24 at 8520 Pitner on March 3, 2007 about 4:45 a.m. Salvador sustained a gunshot wound to the face.

At the time of his arrest, officers also recovered a 1991 Toyota Four Runner, which had been reported stolen on March 10th and used in numerous robberies. A large bag containing stolen items was also recovered.

While interviewing Ramos, he confessed to the Hammerly capital murder on February 17, 2007, along with five aggravated robberies, two auto thefts and 10 burglaries.

Anyone who believes he or she has been victimized by suspect Angel Gabriel Ramos is urged to contact the HPD Robbery Division Latino Squad at (713) 308-0700.

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