Robbery gang hitting Houston restaurants

[Mike1951]

http://www.click2houston.com/news/15537035/detail.html

http://www.click2houston.com/video/15532843/index.html

Click2Houston.com
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Video: Robbers Hit 11 Stores, Restaurants:
Daniella Guzman Reports

Serial Robbers Target Restaurants, Store Customers
By Daniella Guzman

POSTED: 10:41 am CST March 8, 2008
UPDATED: 10:50 am CST March 8, 2008

HOUSTON -- Serial robbers who hit fast-food restaurants and stores are also targeting the customers, KPRC Local 2 reported Friday.

Investigators said the crooks have already hit 11 times around the Houston area, mainly on the southwest side. They are not only targeting fast-food restaurants, they recently hit Ralston Liquor store on Hillcroft and O'Riley's Auto Parts on South Post Oak.

Police said the common denominator in all the robberies is one female. The men in the robberies change, but police said they believe she is the leader of the group.

"She kind of takes control of the scene and she directs others what to do and where to go," said officer John Varela.

In a surveillance video, all four crooks calmly walked inside a Whataburger on Telephone Road at around 8:45 p.m. on March 3. They wore hooded jackets and disguised themselves with bandanas. Police said in all the incidents, they demand money.

"They immediately take control of the scene and intimidate everyone so they can do their thing," said an unidentified investigator.

One robber even attacked a couple eating inside the restaurant. The video shows the crook forcing the customers on their knees. The customer then threw his wallet at the robber but the crook still hit the customer.

"These guys are getting more violent. They are not scared to rob the store when it has customers inside. That's really dangerous," said Varela.

Police said the woman wears dark jackets with white markings on the hood and down the sleeves. She also has scars on her face that appear to be acne scars.

If you have any information about the robberies, call Houston Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

[longtooth]

Getting tougher every day.
Keep your head on a swivel & the bearing well greased.

[02transam]

no bueno.....lol acne scars

[casingpoint]

Chilling. What a loss of appetite. Does anyone remember the details circa 1980-82 when three gunmen entered a Dennys on I45 North south of airport and killed several patrons (seven?) in a robbery? Don't think they were ever caught. I used to go there on occasion when I was in Houston and this incident has stuck with me all these years. Never could really relax in a fast food place afterwards. Back to the wall, entrance in sight, exit route in advance and all of that stuff.

[stevie_d_64]

One of these days...

[CWOOD]

Back to the wall, entrance in sight, exit route in advance and all of that stuff.

Yep!

One of these days...

Yep!

[tx_bob]

Wonder how long it will take these robbers to figure out Taco Cabana is easy pickings for the bad guy?

[longtooth]

Hope this dont creep North to the small towns.

[htxred]

i reckin i'll be cooking for a while.

[dac1842]

Now seems like a good time to ask what would you do if four armed suspects entered the restaurant where you and your family are eating? Shoot? Don't shoot?? Give up the wallet? Observe?

[locknload]

For me, it would depend upon what they were doing. If they don't shoot, they get anything they want from me. It's only stuff, and stuff isn't worth my life, but I'll be one heck of a good witness! The minute they start shooting, I take as many with me as I can, before they get me. That simple.

Back to the wall, eyes on the entrance and other doors, always leave yourself a way of escape.

Better to run, today, and live to fight another day!

[Stupid]

I surly hope that you draw fast enough as the first shot could be aimed at you or your dear family.

I would run for the exit. if i could not, the fight would be on. there's no way that i allow myself/my family to be a sitting target.

Back to the wall, eyes on the entrance and other doors, always leave yourself a way of escape.

For me, it would depend upon what they were doing. If they don't shoot, they get anything they want from me. It's only stuff, and stuff isn't worth my life, but I'll be one heck of a good witness! The minute they start shooting, I take as many with me as I can, before they get me. That simple.

Back to the wall, eyes on the entrance and other doors, always leave yourself a way of escape.

Better to run, today, and live to fight another day!

[DoubleActionCHL]

You've got to love our PC news media. They tell us everything we need to identify the crooks; the leader is a woman, she has scars and acne, they wear dark hoodies with white marks on the sleeves... everything except WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE!!!! Useless information...

[htxred]

i honestly don tknow what i would do, the thought of getting out of there as fast as i can would cross my mind.. i've been meaning to buy a "throw down" wallet filled with $1 bills to sort of distract while i make a run for it.. but i mean, situations like this is why i spend loads of money on ammo and range time so, hopefully it all ends up being an investment rather then a liability.

[AEA]

Had I been there, as soon as they forced the couple to their knees, I would be shooting (if collateral hits could be minimized). If they actually shot someone, then I would be shooting regardless of collateral hits.