Video released of suspects wanted in slaying of teen protecting mother during Subway robbery

HOUSTON – Police released surveillance video of two men believed to be involved in the shooting death of a teen during a robbery at a southeast Houston restaurant.

One suspect was wearing a navy hoodie with lime green and white letters that said "We're a B16 Deal" and "Class of 2016." The other suspect was wearing a dark-colored hoodie with the words "California Republic" and an image of the Golden State's flag.

Javier Flores, a Subway clerk, was killed by two men during a robbery in the 3900 block of Broadway Street around 8 p.m. Wednesday, according to authorities.

VIDEO: Surveillance of robbery suspects at second robbery

Flores, identified by the Houston Independent School District as a Chavez High School 11th grader, was working as a clerk with his mother at the time of the shooting, Houston police said.

The men entered and aimed the gun at Flores' mother, police said. He then attempted to intervene when he was shot.

Flores, 18, was shot in the neck and taken to Ben Taub Hospital, where he later died, police said.

"One of the robbers put had the gun to her head so what he, Javier, did was he got between them and pushed her and when he pushed her the guy pressed the trigger,” explained Carlos Vasquez, Javier’s father. “When he was running to the back to get the phone to call the police the other guy jumped over the counter and told him, ‘Get him,’ and that's when he got shot.”

Vasquez said his son had planned on joining the Marine Corps and was working to save up money to buy a car.  The upset father said he wants justice for his son who was always ready to help others.

“Since he was little he's always a lot of heart, he never let no body down,” said Vasquez outside his home Thursday afternoon. “He always there for you, he was always there for us, for his friends for his grandma, for all of his uncles, he was a really comprehensive kid."

The mother and son were the only ones in the store at the time of the robbery, police said. 

"They're out here working and doing what they're supposed to be doing and then these two suspects came in and cut that short. Certainly there was nothing in there that was worth the life of the 18-year-old," HPD officer David Crowther said.

A vigil was held at the store at 8 p.m. Thursday.

[WATCH: Friends, family remember teen killed while protecting mother during robbery]

Police said the same men also robbed another Subway on San Jacinto and Wentworth at 8:45 p.m. No one was hurt in that incident.

Police released surveillance video of the two men from that robbery.

The men got away in a tan- or gold-colored, four-door sedan, but it is not known if any money was taken, police said.

"We have one black male. Eighteen to 20 years old. 5’6 to 5’8. No facial hair. He’s dark colored. Dark in complexion. He was wearing a dark blue hoodie and black pants," said Crowther. "We have another black male suspect that appears to be mid-teens to maybe 17 years old. He was wearing a light blue hoodie and dark pants as well.”

Police described the person in the sketch as a black male, about 5 feet, 10 inches tall, with a slim build.

The reward in this case has been increased to $30,000 for information leading to the charging or arrest of suspects in the case. Anyone with information about the case should call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477.

Students remember Flores

VIDEO: Chavez High students remember Flores

Students at Chavez High School remembered Flores as a hero.

“He was a good person. A good friend,” said Andy Ibbara.

Rodriguez was Javier’s best friend and he was with Javier’s father when he received an alarming call Wednesday night.

“His wife called him and then so we went quick over there to see what happened and he was already on the floor,” said Rodriguez.

The family’s neighbor wasn’t surprised.

“Javier would do that. Javier would do that,” said neighbor Mary Stepam. “He was a quiet, friendlier, respectful, polite.”

At Subway, an employee from a business next door tied a bouquet of flowers around a post, just feet from where Javier lost his life.

“He was kind. Always happy. Never seen him mad or anything like that. it’s so sad that this had to happen,” said Maria Baldit.

The restaurant remained closed on Thursday.

A GoFundMe account was set up in support of the family. 

Houston ISD released a statement that read, "HISD is sad to report that a Chavez High School student died Wednesday night. We offer our deepest condolences to the student’s family and friends, as well as to the entire school community. Counselors have been made available to support students and staff at this difficult time."

Subway released the following statement on the incident:

We're shocked and saddened by the death of Javier Flores. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and co-workers. The entire Subway family is exploring ways to provide support for the Flores family through this tough time.  In addition, we are contributing to the CrimeStoppers reward to help find the individuals behind this senseless act.


About the Authors:

Reporter, family-oriented, sports fanatic, proud Houstonian.