Series of robberies has neighborhood on alert

Victims approached by robbers in their driveways

HOUSTON – People in an Oak Forest neighborhood are on edge after a series of robberies in the last week. The victims are being targeted in their own driveways, and in some cases the suspects have been armed with guns.

The latest robbery happened at 5:30 a.m. Thursday morning, after an 84 year old woman parked in a driveway and a man approached her car. The woman struggled with the suspect and even managed to hit him with her umbrella, but he still got way with her purse.

In another incident, the victim had a gun pointed to her head.

"I took a few steps forward because I thought someone needed help and the guy ran up with a gun, pointed the gun to my head, and told me to let go of the bag," said Olga Mexina. Mexina initially resisted but the suspects took off after she gave up her purse. She described the suspect vehicle as a beat up older model sedan.

In all, there have been five robberies within about a two mile radius. Suspects descriptions vary and Houston Police investigators don't yet know if they're related.

But in every case, the victims were approached near driveways. The crimes have police once again reminding everyone to be aware of their surroundings. "As you're driving along, take a look at your rear view mirror. Is there anyone there that shouldn't be?" said Sergeant Frank Escobedo, Jr.

Police are also telling people to be on the lookout for suspicious vehicles in their neighborhoods. If you have any information, you should call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.