April 17, 2014 - Houston police have released surveillance video of a suspect wanted for stealing a woman's purse as she pumped gas at a service station at 2200 Main Street about 1:20 p.m. on January 17.
The suspect is described only as a heavy set black male, about 5 feet 9 inches tall. He has a beard and was wearing dark colored pants, dark shirt and a dark jacket with white trim. He was also wearing a beanie cap. The male is seen as a passenger in a newer model Toyota Highlander with paper plates that flees the scene.
Surveillance photos of the wanted suspect and vehicle are attached to this news release and surveillance video of the theft and the suspect are posted on the HPD YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6av3kwjZcKY
Auto Theft Division investigators believe the same suspect is responsible for at least four other similar thefts:
- 17906 Tomball Parkway about 7:45 p.m. on December 22, 2013
- 14555 Cullen Boulevard about 5:30 p.m. on January 15
- 6707 West Sam Houston Parkway about 3 p.m. on January 25
- 9970 Bellaire Boulevard about 7:55 p.m. on January 25
In the 2200 Main incident, the Highlander pulls up to the pumps alongside the victim's vehicle while she was pumping gas. The suspect exits the passenger side door of the Highlander, "slides" across to open the unlocked passenger door to the victim's vehicle, steals her purse from the seat and then "slides" back over to his vehicle and drives off. The female victim did not realize her purse was gone until she left the gas station parking lot.
The wanted suspect is seen on surveillance video making a purchase inside the store just prior to the purse theft incident.
Anyone with information on the identity of the suspect is urged to contact the HPD Auto Theft Division at 713-308-3500 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
JFC/VHS 4-17-14
Inc #007480114
For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.
