Houston police are on the lookout for 20-year-old Michael Coates, who is believed to have ambushed an elderly woman in her garage last month. The incident is said to have taken place in the 10200 block of Briar Forest Drive on February 11 at around 2:50 p.m.
According to the Houston Police Department, the aggravated robbery involved Coates running up behind a 72-year-old woman, pointing a handgun at her and demanding her car keys.
The woman began to scream, prompting her 75-year-old husband to open the front door and investigate what was happening. The suspect immediately turned his attention to the male victim, pointing the gun at him and demanding the car keys. After briefly following the male victim into the house, Coates took the keys and drove away in their 4-door BMW sedan.
The BMW was located the next day, unoccupied, on a residential street near an apartment complex in southwest Houston. After the release of the initial video of the robbery, the Houston Police Department Robbery Division received a tip, resulting in charges being filed against Coates for aggravated robbery of an elderly person.
Police have released the video footage of the robbery and are urging the public to come forward with any information, however small it may seem. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers of Houston at (713) 222-TIPS.
The incident highlights the importance of taking precautions when entering and exiting garages or any other public spaces. Individuals should take care to ensure that they are aware of their surroundings at all times and should report any suspicious behavior to the authorities immediately.
Crime, particularly violent crime, is a serious issue that affects communities across the globe. It is important to work together to create safer neighborhoods and cities. With the help of the public, law enforcement agencies can more effectively prevent and solve crimes, bringing those responsible to justice.