HOUSTON – Tipsters are being recognized by Crime Stoppers for their role in halting a violent incident at the University of Houston and a bomb attempt at Spring Branch ISD.
Crime Stoppers CEO Rania Mankarious stressed the importance of community involvement, saying, “The recent incidents of assault at the University of Houston, school threats, and an increase in juvenile violence underscore the critical need for continued vigilance, proactive intervention, and community involvement to keep our students safe.”
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During the event, former Houston Assistant Police Chief Wendy Bainbridge, who now chairs the Crime Stoppers Rewards Committee, announced that two individuals received $5,000 each for providing tips that led to the arrest of Eric Brown, the suspect in a recent sexual assault case at UH.
“These tipsters were very diligent, and because of their efforts, our suspect can now face justice and our community is much safer,” Bainbridge said. She emphasized that Crime Stoppers maintains complete anonymity for tipsters, as required by Texas state law.
Spring Branch ISD Police Chief Larry Bainbridge shared a case where a tip helped prevent a potential school bombing in February. The information led officers to a high school student who was attempting to build an explosive device. Although the student had not yet achieved the level of sophistication required for a working bomb, the materials were discovered, and the Houston Police Department’s bomb squad confirmed the seriousness of the situation.
“This is the type of information that, if not passed on, could have had very serious repercussions,” Chief Bainbridge said. However, no criminal charges were filed against the 16-year-old suspect, despite the evidence. Chief Bainbridge expressed disappointment, stating, “I believe we had the elements of the crime, and I always believe that if the elements are there, charges should be filed.”
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Mankarious highlighted the organization’s Million for Million campaign, which has conducted over 300 presentations this year to educate students on safety and crime prevention. She cited alarming statistics, including a 108% statewide increase in juveniles charged with homicide from 2019 to 2024, and a 1,200% rise in juvenile detentions for making threats of mass violence.
“These numbers are staggering,” Mankarious said. “We know there are many reasons our youth are turning to violence, but we are committed to working together to curb that violence and offer resources.”
Crime Stoppers is urging anyone with information about criminal activity to call their tip line at 713-222-TIPS (8477) or submit tips online or through their mobile app.
