A quick errand to the drugstore turned into a terrifying ordeal for a 79-year-old Pearland man, who was assaulted and robbed in the parking lot right after withdrawing cash from an ATM, police say. The attack happened June 19 outside a Walgreens, where investigators report the suspect struck the victim and fled with his wallet and the money he had just taken out. Pearland detectives have arrested two people they say are tied to the case, but they are still searching for the man shown in surveillance images released by the department.
Pearland officers say the robbery occurred in the 11600 block of Shadow Creek Parkway, and that surveillance footage shows a man approach the customer, assault him and grab his wallet along with the newly withdrawn cash, according to ABC13. Investigators later arrested 30-year-old Donte Bell, identified as the suspected getaway driver, and 23-year-old Demondtra Moore, identified as the alleged lookout. Both are charged with aggravated robbery, and Pearland’s Special Investigations Unit says the probe is still active.
Investigators Urge Residents To Preserve Camera Footage
Detectives are asking neighbors to review doorbell and dash-cam recordings and to send in any clips that might show the suspect’s movements before or after the attack. That push for video help mirrors a string of similar ATM and parking-lot robberies reported around the Houston area this spring, including a May incident in Sugar Land where investigators released surveillance footage to the public. As reported in a May case in Sugar Land, detectives say quick tips and preserved video are often crucial to identifying suspects.
What The Charge Means
Aggravated robbery is a first-degree felony in Texas and can carry a punishment of five to 99 years or life in prison, according to Texas Penal Code §29.03. The offense may be charged when a theft involves serious bodily injury, a deadly weapon, or a victim who is elderly or disabled. Prosecutors note that the statute also limits certain community-supervision options for aggravated-felony convictions.
How To Report Tips
Anyone who recognizes the man in the released images or has video that could help the investigation is asked to contact Pearland police’s Criminal Investigations tip line at 281-997-4211 or the department’s non-emergency number at 281-997-4100. For emergencies, callers should use 911. The Pearland Police Department’s Public Safety Building is at 2555 Cullen Parkway, and the department’s online directory lists contact details for investigators.
