A Houston family is behind bars after police say they carried out a string of armed robberies targeting dollar stores across the city.
Entire family arrested for armed robberies
The family of alleged crooks, identified by authorities as Deron Whittle, his wife Jennifer Whittle, and her 19-year-old son Gavin Harper, were arrested by the Houston Police Department in connection to at least six armed heists.
Investigators believe the family operated as a coordinated unit, with the parents assisting their teenage son in executing the crimes.
Police described the group as a “notorious and violent aggravated robbery crew” in court filings.
The suspects reportedly focused their efforts on low-cost retail chains such as Family Dollar and Dollar General, according to local media reports.
Prosecutors allege the family operated with a disturbing level of planning and coordination.
Surveillance footage allegedly shows the suspects arriving together, with Jennifer and Deron Whittle remaining in the vehicle while Harper went inside to carry out the armed robberies at gunpoint.
In one of the cases, Harper reportedly entered the store pretending to make a purchase.
When a cashier opened the register, Jennifer Whittle allegedly approached with a firearm and ordered the employee to hand over the cash.
Family faces multiple charges for armed robberies
The court documents portray a calculated operation in which each family member played a specific role. Police say the crimes were not only frequent but brazen, and occurred so often that officers set up an undercover sting operation.
Jennifer Whittle has been charged with engaging in organized criminal activity with a deadly weapon. Her bond has been set at $75,000.
Gavin Harper and Deron Whittle are both facing more serious accusations, including aggravated robbery and engaging in organized criminal activity with a weapon.
Harper’s bond was set at $120,000, while Whittle’s has been set at $150,000.
Authorities have not released how long the crew had allegedly been committing the armed robberies, but all six cases are believed to have occurred recently within the Houston area.
Business owner subdues suspect while being robbed
Earlier this year, a California store owner defended himself and his business during a violent attempted robbery that ended with one of the suspects fatally shot.
According to the Santa Monica Police Department, the incident happened at Sole & Laces sneaker boutique in May.
John Alle, the property manager, said the owner was conducting a private sale after hours when the situation turned dangerous.
Police said a second man, who was acquainted with the customer, entered through a back door and attempted to subdue the store owner using a chemical irritant.
A fight broke out, during which the owner retrieved his legally-owned firearm and shot the suspect. The wounded would-be robber later died at a local hospital.
The original customer, identified as Karen Melikyan, was arrested shortly after.
Police suspect he was involved in orchestrating the failed robbery. He now faces charges of homicide, armed robbery, and conspiracy.
Alle told reporters that the store owner was shaken but defended his business and life.
“He took care of things and defended himself and his store, and his life, and his family by using his gun,” Alle said.
The shop owner is cooperating with law enforcement and has not been charged with any crimes.
Python’s used as weapons during heist
Meanwhile in Tennessee, four crooks allegedly used snakes to pull off a bizarre armed robbery at a local gas station.
According to reports, the group entered the Highway 138 truck stop in Denmark, Tennessee, wielding two pythons.
Security footage shows one man placing a snake on the counter while another dangles a second reptile in front of the employees.
Mayur Raval, a gas station clerk, described the unusual scene. “They were just waving them around and putting them on the counter,” he said.
“One person brought in one snake first, and then after that, he brought in another snake. One is white, and one is brown or a mix.”
Raval said the distraction allowed the suspects to steal several bottles of CBD oil, with the total value estimated at $400.
He speculated the group may have planned to take more, but were discouraged by the presence of other customers.
“I think they planned to successfully come here and rob the store. The snake is a weapon, you know,” Raval stated.
The two men holding snakes were accompanied by two women. Authorities say the group left in a small sedan and are still searching for the suspects.
