Federal Bureau of Investigation

Houston Division

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 28, 2007

FBI HOUSTON PRESS OFFICE
(713) 693-5229
www.fbi.gov

MASKED BANDITS WITH ASSAULT RIFLE ROB FOURTH AREA BANK

On Wednesday, December 26, at approximately 9:15 a.m., masked gunmen, one carrying an assault rifle, robbed the First Convenience Bank located within the Kroger store at 5671 Treaschwig, in Spring, Texas. The FBI Houston Bank Robbery Task Force believes this group is responsible for at least four bank robberies in the Houston area since May of this year.

In Wednesday’s robbery, two men, with faces covered, entered the bank located within the grocery store. One of the robbers carried an assault rifle which he used to threaten the tellers, while the other robber jumped the counter and demanded money from the teller drawers. The second robber threatened to kill anyone who didn’t obey commands.

The robbers quickly grabbed the money and fled the bank in a stolen blue Dodge Durango, which was recovered shortly thereafter. A third suspect drove the getaway vehicle.

The men who entered the bank are described as black males, age undetermined due to masked faces. The counter jumper is 5’8” to 6’0” with a stocky build, and the suspect with the assault rifle is 5’8” to 6’3” with a slim build. Both wore dark ski masks, dark jackets with hoods, and dark pants. There is no description for the getaway driver.

The FBI Houston Bank Robbery Task Force believes this group is responsible for the robberies of at least three other area banks:

May 4, 2007 at the First Convenience Bank, 14710 Woodforest, Houston, Texas

June 25, 2007 at the First Convenience Bank, 11701 S. Sam Houston Parkway, Houston, Texas

October 15, 2007 at the Woodforest National Bank, 3820 Atascocita, Humble, Texas

In each robbery the men would enter the bank armed with a handgun, a shotgun, an assault rifle, or a combination of the three. They completely cover their faces and heads, and point weapons at the tellers, threatening to kill anyone who doesn’t comply with their demands. In each case, they fled the scene in a stolen vehicle.

Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the charging and arrest of these suspects or any felony suspects. If you have information regarding these bank robberies, please call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS, or your local FBI office.