Crime Stoppers of Houston

“For when the wine is in, the wit is out.” - Thomas Becon (1512–1567)

2012-02-17T12:50:00.000-08:00

The wit was out for two crooks that targeted Houston area grocery stores, stealing high value wine and champagnes. The unsuspecting couple never knew that Crime Stoppers tips would lead to their identification and arrest.

Beginning November 15, 2011, and continuing through mid December, Quincy Carter Jones and his wife Qiana Kunta Curley Jones were captured by store surveillance cameras stealing top shelf wines from an area grocer. In the first offense, the couple targeted the store on the 12800 block of Memorial Drive. After breaking into the locked wine cabinet, the suspects selected multiple bottles of high value champagne and concealed the bottles on their persons.

Repeating the same offense on three additional occasions, the pair got away with nearly $10,000.00 in stolen champagne. While the Jones’ filled their pockets, surveillance cameras were rolling.

Crime Stoppers released video and photos of the Jones’ caught in the act. They remained unidentified, and unknown to police. On December 15, 2011, local media outlets broadcast the suspected shoplifters’ images through the Houston air waves.

That same evening, after the local telecasts, anonymous citizens called Crime Stoppers. The first call identified the female suspect as Qiana Kunta Curley Jones. The second identified her accomplice Quincy Carter Jones. By 9:00 am on December 28, both had been positively identified and charged with felony theft.

Two fugitives are facing justice for committing crime in Harris County. Area retailers are further protected from career criminals, pillaging from their inventory. Once again Crime Stoppers tips put a cork in a case for Houston.

The Hunt for Cody Lee Evans

2012-02-07T12:41:00.000-08:00

Cody Lee Evans was on the run from law enforcement. He fled the

Houston area after assaulting a man and his three children. Evans managed to make it as far as Carmen, Oklahoma until a Crime Stoppers tip ended his flight.

On January 5, 2012, Steven Rangel and his three children drove to a truck stop in Chanelview, TX to get their car washed. While at the truck stop, Rangel was approached by Evans with whom he had an ongoing dispute. Rangel told Evans that his children were in the car and that he “didn’t want any trouble.” The safety of Rangel’s children would soon prove be of no concern to Evans.

Evans became violent. Rangel fled the scene with his children in the back seat. Evans and two accomplices chased Rangel. Rangel was forced to the side of the road and stopped. Evans exited the car and approached Rangel wielding a knife, forcing Rangel to drive his vehicle in a ditch to escape. As the pursuit continued, Evans eventually forced Rangel to drive his car into a pole.

Cody Lee Evans

Rangel’s children were seriously injured in the accident. His daughter’s right foot was amputated as a result of her injuries. One child suffered a broken collarbone. Rangel’s son had his tongue reattached as a result of the collision. Rangel himself suffered broken ribs, a broken shoulder, and punctured lungs.

As a result of a police investigation, Cody Lee Evans was charged with two counts of Injury to a Child, one count of Injury to a Child under 15, and one count of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. Warrants were issued for the arrest of Evans, but he had already fled the jurisdiction.

Evans remained at large until Saturday, February 4, 2012, when the Crime Stoppers phone rang. On the line: a concerned citizen. The anonymous caller told investigators that Evans’ hideout was in Carmen, Oklahoma, in a residential neighborhood.

Deputies with the US Marshals were immediately notified. Evans was apprehended and he awaits extradition back to Harris County.

Another violent felon is behind bars as a result of the vigilance of concerned citizens. Crime Stoppers continues to bring community members together with law enforcement to ensure a safer Houston. The support and information of everyday citizens apprehended this violent criminal, making Houstonians true citizen-crime-fighters.

Crime Stoppers and My Virtual Neighbor Partner to Protect Houston Communities

2012-02-02T13:44:00.000-08:00

Crime Stoppers is pleased to announce an exciting new partnership with the social networking service My Virtual Neighbor (MVN); a new partnership focused on reducing crime in the places citizens work and live. The union allows members of the social networking site to join a city-wide Crime Stoppers network where they can share tips and techniques to help Houstonians stay safe. MVN links users directly to Crime Stoppers’ website where citizens can report crime tips to aide police investigations.

“MVN reinforces our motto, ‘If you see something, say something’,” said Ryan Sullivan, Director of Communications with Crime Stoppers Houston. “Residents will be able to upload photos, post comments, and maintain an ongoing dialogue with us and with each other, which is the key to crime prevention. Sharing crime prevention tips with citizens is at the core of Crime Stoppers’ mission.”

MVN was launched in July 2011 by Amit Mehta, after he experienced a break-in at his Galleria-area apartment. “Several other units in my building were burglarized as well, yet we were at the mercy of building management to disseminate this information and propose a solution,” Mehta said. “It was then that I realized how disconnected I was from my neighbors, and how valuable forming relationships with them would be.”

In less than a year, MVN has built an online network of more than 1000 neighborhoods, apartment buildings and communities nationwide. Members are organized into communities based on where they live and work, and are able to securely communicate, share ideas, organize events, and perhaps most importantly, post real-time updates about what’s happening in and around the neighborhood.

Partnership with MVN has provided a new platform for Crime Stoppers to communicate with the residents of Harris County. Every neighborhood, apartment and community in the Houston metro area has unique safety concerns. Now through an online network, those communities will receive invaluable tips from Crime Stoppers to improve the safety in their homes.

Crime Stoppers is committed to preventing crime and increasing safety throughout Houston. Through innovative partnerships and technologies, we will continue to achieve our vision of living safe in Houston.

"My Worst Fear Has Been Realized" - Hundreds of Stolen Guns on the Streets

2012-01-27T07:08:00.000-08:00

Special Agent Gary Orchowski

“First and foremost, we’re here to protect the public,” declared ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Gary Orchowski during a Crime Stoppers press conference on Thursday. “We don’t want to see violent crime increase in the greater metropolitan area of Houston as a result of stolen guns on the street.”

Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives joined Crime Stoppers and investigators from various local law enforcement agencies on Thursday to shed light on a professional ring of burglars targeting Houston area businesses.

The businesses: gun stores. The loot: hundreds of firearms. The fear: more guns on the street.

Over the last six weeks, a series of burglaries at area gun stores and pawn shops has caught the attention of the ATF and numerous other law enforcement agencies. Investigators believe that eight of the burglaries may be related. In total, 274 firearms are reported to have been stolen in related burglaries. Investigators described the group responsible as professional, systematic, and organized.

“This case has the support of multiple agencies, and is an example of the type of interagency cooperation I’m proud of,” said Lieutenant Jeff Strauber of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. In a quip targeted at the offenders in these cases, Strauber noted, “For the people responsible, let it be a sign that it’s only a matter of time before this team catches you.”

Multiple Burglary Locations

The burglaries have resulted in the theft of well over two hundred firearms from local businesses. Notably, throughout the course of the investigation, only one firearm has been recovered. “On average, 50% of stolen weapons are recovered within 25 miles of the burglary,” described Special Agent Orchowski, who went on to note that Texas ranks third among other states in gun theft.

“The goal is to get all [burglary crews] shut down, and off the streets,” said Lt. Strauber when asked about his outlook on the case. “My worst fear has already been realized; these guns are on the street."

Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000 in a cash reward for information that leads to the filing of felony charges or the arrest of a subject in this case. “The beauty of it,” concluded Lt. Strauber, “is that you can call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS, and remain completely anonymous.”

Surveillance video of one recent burglary is located at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HtYDQtYgh0&context=C3b961e7ADOEgsToPDskJYiqT0OPLBJQcG2S56igKV

Citizens are urged to call Crime Stoppers with any information about the identity of the suspects in these cases. All callers remain anonymous.

Still No Leads in Shooting Death of Gelareh Bagherzadeh

2012-01-25T13:53:00.000-08:00

Gelareh Bagherzadeh

More than a week has passed since the shooting death of Gelareh Bagherzadeh, an Iranian student living in Houston. Since the time of her death, public outcry for answers has rung throughout Houston and the nation. However police report that there are still few leads to account for this tragic murder.

Bagherzadeh’s body was found inside of her car in the early morning hours of Monday, January 16, 2012. The car had careened into a garage near her Galleria town home after she sustained a fatal gunshot wound.

Officer J.C. Padilla HPD

"When the officer arrived, the car's tires were still spinning," Officer J.C. Padilla said at a Crime Stoppers press conference. "He [the responding officer] had to reach in and turn off the motor."

The murder of Bagherzadeh has left the community and investigators puzzled, and seeking answers. “This is probably one of our most difficult cases at this time,” stated Padilla, “we’re not ruling anything out."

Now, following the murder of Bagherzadeh, Crime Stoppers is continuing to seek information from the community to aide in the search for answers. “If your information leads the filing of felony charges or the arrest of a suspect, you will be eligible for up to $5,000 in a cash reward,” stated Katherine Cabaniss, Executive Director of Crime Stoppers.

Ali Bagherzadeh, Gelareh’s brother, spoke out at a press conference hosted at Crime Stoppers’ headquarters. "My family is devastated," stated Ali Bagherzadeh on behalf of his grieving family. "It's very hard. I can't see my parents ... I don't want to see any parents be in this situation."

Gelareh Bagherzadeh was described as an invaluable member of the Houston community by her family and friends. Working as a molecular geneticist at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Bagherzadeh had a bright future in her field. “She taught me never to forget about people,” added her youngest brother.

Bagherzadeh’s family pled with the public to share information on the case at the Crime Stoppers press conference. “Anyone who may know, any information can help. Please call Crime Stoppers,” appealed a somber Ali Bagherzadeh.

A week after Bagherzadeh’s death, Crime Stoppers is echoing that plea to the public. Callers to the 24 hour Crime Stoppers tip line at 713-222-TIPS (8477) remain anonymous and are eligible for up to $5,000 dollars in a cash reward.

A Voice for Lamount Lastie

2012-01-10T09:32:00.000-08:00

Officer H.A. Chavez HPD

In the early morning hours of Friday, October 14, 2011, Lamount Lastie was at home in his apartment, when two unknown suspects took his life. Crime Stoppers was joined by investigators from the Houston Police Department’s Homicide Division, as well as Lastie’s family members, Tuesday for a press conference. There, the public was urged to call Crime Stoppers with any information that could be used to help solve the case.

“Mr. Lastie can no longer speak for himself,” stated Officer Heraclio Chavez of the Houston Police Department. “That’s why we’re here today, to speak for him, and solve his murder.”

Chavez described the incident which took place at an apartment building located on the 9800 block of Meadowglen Ln. in Houston. At approximately 1:05 AM on Friday morning, neighbors reported hearing loud banging noises coming from outside Lamount Lastie’s apartment, followed by multiple gunshots. Sometime after the gunshots, a resident of the same complex was walking past Mr. Lastie’s apartment. After noticing the door ajar, the resident discovered Lastie lying on the floor motionless. Mr. Lastie was pronounced dead at the scene after the arrival of Houston Police and Fire Personnel.

“A witness reported seeing two black males running from the direction of the apartment building.” Chavez confirmed.

Lastie’s mother Myra Ford described her son as a hardworking, beloved father of two that would not have brought violence upon himself. “He was loved by all his friends and family,” described Ford during her emotional plea to the public. “He was the biggest Texans football fan, and I know he would have loved seeing that playoff game.”

Ford urged citizens to call Crime Stoppers and bring closure to the case, and comfort to her family. “Next time it could be your son, daughter, grandchild or any other member of your family. Please bring this person to justice.”

In her closing remarks, Crime Stoppers Executive Director Katherine Cabaniss reminded citizens that a call to Crime Stoppers is anonymous and safe. “Your identity will be anonymous, protected, and if your information leads to an arrest or the filing of felony charges you will be eligible for up to a $5,000 cash reward,” stated Cabaniss.

Anyone with information on the murder of Lamount Lastie is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

Serial Burglar Targeting Local Shopping Center

2011-12-20T08:35:00.000-08:00

Cpt. Robert Manzo HPD

“We want this person to spend the upcoming Holidays in a jail cell,” proclaimed Captain Robert Manzo while gesturing toward a surveillance photo of a suspect wanted for a series of burglaries. “From experience, serial offenders such as this are likely to continue to offend.”

The South Wayside Village strip center located on the 5800 block of the Gulf Freeway has been the target of eight burglaries over the past eight months. In that time, multiple businesses have been targeted by the suspected burglar, many of which have been hit twice over the course of the year.

“This offender displays the characteristics of career criminal conduct,” stated Katherine Cabaniss, Executive Director of Crime Stoppers. “Place a call today to prevent the next victim before years end.”

Having sent surveillance footage to HPD’s video lab, investigators are now turning to Crime Stoppers and the citizens of Harris County to help solve this case.

“Crime is down all over the city,” stated Manzo at a Crime Stoppers press conference held Monday, December 19, 2011, “however even one crime is too many for me. Someone will recognize this picture and know the offender. We ask them to call Crime Stoppers.”

If you know the identity of the suspect featured, or the identity of the burglars in any of these cases, please contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. Callers are eligible for up to $5,000 for information that leads to the filing of felony charges or arrest of the suspects in these cases. All callers remain anonymous.

A Plea to the Public

2011-12-14T12:06:00.000-08:00

Raul Amaro

Raquel Ramirez took to the podium during a morning press conference in the Crime Stoppers media room. Her eyes welling with tears, she pleaded for information about the November 28 slaying of her uncle Raul Amaro.

On November 28^th, 2011, Raul Amaro stopped at a gas station near the 13100 block of Bissonet. While congregating near the side of the gas station Amaro was approached by two black male suspects. The suspects attempted to rob Amaro, but when he fought back, he was shot one time. Amaro succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital.

Wednesday’s press conference asked citizens to report information anonymously to Crime Stoppers and help bring closure to this case. During the press conference an increased reward of up to $11,000.00 was announced for any information that leads to the filing of charges or arrest of a suspect.

“Our family’s world was rocked by this tragedy,” stated Ramirez during the family’s remarks. “We’re here to get these criminals off the streets so no other family has to go through the loss that we’ve been through.”

Investigators say that those criminals are described as two black males, with slender builds and short hair, between the ages of 20 and 30. “We have very little information about these suspects at this time,” claimed Dep. Jason Brown from the Harris County Sheriff’s Homicide Unit.

“My uncle was a good person. He was always happy and I can’t remember a bad day with him,” concluded Ramirez as the cameras shut down, and the microphones turned off.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS

Pasadena Arson Suspects Arrested on a Crime Stoppers Tip

2011-12-14T11:57:00.000-08:00

Crime Stoppers and the Pasadena Fire Marshal’s Office are announcing the

successful arrest of two arson suspects thanks to an anonymous Crime

Stoppers tip. The two juvenile suspects were recently featured by Crime

Stoppers as the primary suspects responsible for a fire at a Pasadena

elementary school.

On Sunday, November 13, 2011, at approximately 3:35 AM, Pasadena Fire

Fighters responded to a dumpster fire in the parking lot of Bailey Elementary

School. Fire Fighters quickly contained the primary fire, and a secondary fire

discovered at the scene. After a thorough investigation, it was discovered the

fires were caused by arson.

On December 6, 2011, Crime Stoppers released the photo of the two suspects

in the case, and urged citizens to make an anonymous call identifying the

suspects. That same day, the Crime Stoppers phone rang, and investigators

learned the identities of both suspects. Two juveniles, ages 15 and 14 years

old, were identified as the individuals captured by surveillance footage and

spotlighted during local media broadcasts.

On December 7, 2011, the Crime Stoppers tips, shared with the

Pasadena Fire Marshal’s Office, enabled investigators to charge the two

juvenile suspects with Second Degree Felony Arson. Information obtained

through anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers also led to the arrest of both

suspects, who are now awaiting their appearance in court on this case.

Without information obtained through Crime Stoppers tips, the suspects accused in this case may have remained unidentified. Through a partnership with the media, law enforcement and anonymous citizens, these suspects were brought to justice.

Bank Robbery and Bomb Threats - Captured on a Crime Stoppers Tip

2011-12-08T14:55:00.000-08:00

Roy Randall Fredrick likely didn’t imagine the day he’d be arrested when he robbed a local bank last month.

On November 2, 2011 Fredrick entered the Comerica Bank on the 700 block of Walker and approached the tellers’ desk. He then produced a bank bag and told the teller, “I have a gun and a bomb. Y’all put the money in the bag, don’t set off any alarms and don’t push any buttons.” Fredrick carried a brown satchel over his shoulder, which he indicated was the ticking time bomb waiting to explode. He left the satchel in exchange for the bank bag filled with cash. “In three minutes the bomb is gonna go off, don’t move,” declared Fredrick as he fled the bank with an undisclosed amount.

Once Fredrick was out of sight, the bank employees evacuated; not willing to wait for an explosion, that in the end, never came.

Investigators aired the surveillance footage from the bank on local networks and media. The reports urged anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. Reporters reminded viewers that if they called Crime Stoppers, their identities would remain confidential and they would be eligible for a cash reward.

Immediately following the broadcast reports, a call to Crime Stoppers identified the suspect in the surveillance footage (above) as Roy Randall Fredrick. However, his whereabouts remained unknown and Fredrick remained at large.

Exactly a month following the brazen robbery, the Crime Stoppers phone rang again. This time the anonymous tipster revealed Fredrick’s location. Crime Stoppers investigators coordinated with the FBI’s Bank Robbery Task Force and an arresting team was dispatched to Fredrick’s suspected whereabouts.

Fredrick was swiftly arrested and brought into custody at the Harris County Jail, where he remains held with no bond. It’s likely that without the tips provided to Crime Stoppers, Fredrick’s identity and whereabouts would have remained unknown. Thankfully, due to the diligence of investigators, and the cooperation of anonymous citizens, Fredrick will experience justice served.

Together We're Going to Make this a Beautiful Place to Live

2011-12-02T13:52:00.000-08:00

Precinct 4 County Commissioner R. Jack Cagle

Crime Stoppers’ annual holiday luncheon was held Thursday at Damian’s Cucina Italiana in midtown. Members from the Crime Stoppers Board of Directors, District Attorney Patricia Lykos, and honored guests joined in celebrating the holiday season and the successful year at Crime Stoppers.

County Commissioner Jack Cagle honored Crime Stoppers during his keynote address. “You have a mission statement that is broader, deeper and reaches down into the core of who we are,” stated Cagle. “Crime Stoppers’ mission is to solve and prevent serious crime in Houston. What a noble goal.”

Cagle went on to address the serious nature of crime and punishment in the state of Texas, noting the 166,000 men and women incarcerated at a cost of $30,000.00 per inmate per year. Cagle lauded Crime Stoppers’ crime prevention efforts stating, “If you can prevent crime before it occurs, you can keep these folks out of the prisons, and if you can keep them out of prison you can keep their children out of prison.”

Finally Cagle articulated the County’s commitment to community safety and continued partnership. “With our commitment from the government working together with law enforcement, we will bring the peace to our communities that we all desire... Together we’re going to make this a beautiful place to live.”

Crime Stoppers joins in that commitment. Thursday’s holiday luncheon celebrated Crime Stoppers’ special relationship with the Houston community. The pledge to live safe was ever strengthened through the partnerships formed at Thursday’s luncheon.

Celebrating 30 Years Living Safe

2011-11-09T06:37:00.001-08:00

On Thursday, November 3 Crime Stoppers and the City of Houston celebrated 30 years of community action at the annual Crime Stoppers Gala, hosted at the Omni Houston. Over 30 years, Crime Stoppers has solved more than 30,000 crimes and paid millions in cash rewards. It’s through a partnership with the media, the police and Houston’s citizens that these accomplishments were made possible.

Thursday’s Gala invited members of the Houston Community to regale in one of Houston’s most impressive settings. The evening commenced with a welcome from Heisman Trophy winner Earl Campbell and remarks from gala host Dave Ward, anchor for ABC 13 Eyewitness News. Steve Forbes of Forbes Media and Magazine graced the stage with his informative address on the role and impact of business and media in our Nation’s time.

Gala Chairs Joe’l and Rocky Mafrige with Amberly and C.F. “Jeb” Wait took to the stage with elegance to encourage continued support of Crime Stoppers, and raised a glass to the next 30 years of crime prevention.

The night celebrated the successes of 30 consecutive years of Crime Stoppers’ approach to solving and preventing crime. However the evening was truly punctuated with a pledge to continue fostering the partnerships that empower citizens and promote community safety throughout Houston.

Honoring The Victims of 9/11 Through a Commitment to LIVE SAFE

2011-09-11T06:35:00.000-07:00

It is entirely appropriate that we begin our blog on the anniversary of 9/11. Remembering that day, we honor the acts and the sacrifices of so many heroes. We mourn for the losses of loved ones and with those who suffered and grieved.

The cost of 9/11 is measured not only in loss of life, but in the change of our nation’s outlook. Every citizen became engaged in the campaign for homeland security. National safety remains an ongoing priority.

On a local level, community safety has always been a priority. For many years, “crime” was the number one concern of Houston’s citizens. It was replaced only recently by “traffic”, and “the economy.” However, since 9/11, our local outlook mirrors that of the nation as a whole.

At Crime Stoppers, we promote the lessons learned from 9/11. The most important – “If you see something, say something” – is our consistent message.

Citizens are the eyes and ears of law enforcement in the community. Crime Stoppers teaches that you don’t have to wear a badge and a gun to fight crime in Harris County. Citizens are empowered to keep our community safe!

The Crime Stoppers nonprofit tip line, 713-222-TIPS, has been an effective crime prevention resource for the past thirty years. Citizens make crime reports anonymously, without fear of retaliation. Cash rewards are paid for accurate crime tips. Crime Stoppers protects citizens and children where they live, work and learn.

Our consciousness was raised by the events of 9/11. We carry the legacy in our community through our vigilance. Working together, we report what we see and know. Through Crime Stoppers and its local partners, our collective efforts keep the community safe.

Ten years later, we hope for the day that our memories of the 9/11 victims bring more comfort than sorrow. The tragedy and horror of 9/11 will not soon be outweighed. However, our increased vigilance, raised public awareness, and other lessons learned are saving lives every day.

We honor the 9/11 heroes and victims. We thank them for their service and sacrifice.

Every day, we will respect their memory with our commitment to Live Safe.

By Katherine Cabaniss

Cabaniss is a former Harris County prosecutor and the Executive Director of Crime Stoppers Houston

Welcome to the Official Crime Stoppers of Houston Blog!

2011-09-01T13:23:00.000-07:00

Our mission is to solve and prevent crime in the Greater Houston area in partnership with citizens, media, and the criminal justice system. Live Safe!