May 31, 2012 - *****NOTE TIME OF NEWS AVAILABILITY*****
Houston police have released the composite sketch of a suspect wanted in a swindle/theft investigation in north Houston on April 27.

The suspect is described only as a black male in his 20s with a very thin build. A composite sketch of the suspect is attached to this news release.

About 12:30 p.m., a female, 26, met with the suspect in a parking lot at 200 West Gray, after the suspect contacted her via email regarding a cell phone she had put up for sale on Craigslist. As the suspect approached her vehicle on foot, the female rolled down her window and was handed a bank envelope by the suspect. As the female opened the envelope, the suspect reached through the window and grabbed the cell phone, which was in the female's lap. The suspect then fled the scene into a nearby apartment complex. The envelope was empty.

Investigators believe the suspect is part of an organized criminal group of technology savvy suspects who target their victims through Craigslist and other social media.

Anyone with information in this case or on the identity of the suspect is urged to contact the HPD Major Offenders Division at 713-308-3100 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

At 1 p.m. TODAY (Thursday, May 31), an investigator with the HPD Major Offenders Division will be available to answer questions regarding this case in the lobby of HPD Headquarters at 1200 Travis.

VHS/JFC  5-31-12

Inc. #053103912