September 18, 2013 - Officers with the Houston Police Department South Central Patrol Division have arrested nine suspects believed responsible for more than 20 robberies and assaults on and near a bike trail on the south central side of the city since May.

The suspects, all juvenile males ranging in age from 10 to 16, were taken into custody at numerous locations on Tuesday (Sept. 17) and all (with the exception of the 10 year old) were referred to Harris County Juvenile Probation authorities on charges of engaging in organized criminal activity.  The youngest suspect was referred to authorities on charges of robbery.

Photos of juvenile suspects are not releasable.

South Central officers conducted an extensive investigation into incidents in which victims on bicycles were being robbed and assaulted while riding on the Columbia Bike Trail.  The victims were knocked off their bikes, beaten, and then robbed of their bicycles, cell phones and other property. 

The officers determined a total of 13 such incidents occurred on the bike trail - between North MacGregor and the Gulf Freeway service road - beginning in the middle of May.  Further investigation led to the identities of nine males as suspects in this crime spree.

The same group of nine suspects is also believed responsible for more than seven other similar robberies in locations near the bike trail.  In those cases, victims were also robbed of bicycles and/or other property.

        

JFC/VHS   9-18-13