Suspects sought in metal thefts at multiple area pharmacies

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Authorities are searching for the suspect(s) responsible for a rash of metal thefts at area retailers.

Over a period from February to August 2012, police say at least 16 metal thefts have occurred at CVS Pharmacies throughout Houston and unincorporated Harris County. Seven significant thefts occurred in June and July alone. In the most recent incident, surveillance cameras captured the suspect's actions.

On August 16 at approximately 3:45am, a white truck (possibly a Ford F-150) pulled alongside the pharmacy located in the 4900 block of FM 1960. An unidentified male suspect exited the truck, and entered into a fenced off area where the business' HVAC unit and other utilities were located. There he struck repeatedly at the business' utility systems until he was able to remove a significant amount of copper metal from the scene. The suspect fled in an unknown direction after the theft.

Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect is asked to contact Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS (8477).

Crime Stoppers will pay up to $10,000 for any information called in to the 713-222-TIPS (8477) or submitted online at http://www.crime-stoppers.org/ that leads to the filing of felony charges or arrest of the suspect(s) in this case. Tips can also be sent by text message. Text TIP610 plus your tip to CRIMES (274637). All tipsters remain anonymous.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Crime Tracker »

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Police investigating campaign sign thefts allegedly by county employee

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Early voting may be going slowly, but we've learned that what's happening with one campaign is now under investigation.

The Spring Valley Police Department is investigating an employee who works for Harris County Commissioner Steve Radack. That employee was seen by an officer allegedly stealing campaign signs for a candidate for county constable Precinct 5.

Investigators tell us the signs belonged to Al Florido. We found him Tuesday at the Spring Valley Police Department talking to detectives, who called him after a plain-clothed officer witnessed the alleged theft.

Detectives say that happened on a roadway not far from the police department earlier Tuesday. The police department has asked the Harris County District Attorney's Office to decide whether to pursue criminal charges.

"Absolutely we are going to press charges. I think it's not only disrespect to the people who support me, who've given money to my campaign and other folks who've given money to other candidates who are running for office to do things right," Florido said. "I think that the cronyism and the Good Ol' Boy system in Houston, Texas, Harris County, it's time for it to come down and I want to be on the frontier of it."

Late Tuesday night, Spring Valley police told Eyewitness News the Harris County District Attorney's Office told them they need to think about whether the case warrants charges. The lead investigator says the Harris County employee was on the clock when the alleged theft occurred.

Radack says he has talked to his employee, who claims he was not supposed to be working at the time.

"I trust the police department not that much, this is a totally political thing," Radack said.

The incumbent constable in Precinct 5, Phil Camus, shows on his own re-election website an endorsement from Radack.

We will stay on top of this story and bring you further information as it develops.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Two of three suspects in string of thefts arrested

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Authorities are looking for one more woman they say is a part of a crime ring hitting drug stores for something very specific and unexpected. So far they've already arrested two women.

No elaborate plan here. Investigators think the suspects stole when they thought they could get away with it. Their target merchandise was makeup. CVS advertises its good deals on the sign right out front. Although according to precinct 6 deputy constables, three women wanted the best deal of all -- free. "They would simply go in, load 'em up and walk out," Harris County Pct. 6 Cpl. Jarrel Caldwell said. It wasn't well organized, says Caldwell, but for months it was effective. He says the three women would walk into CVS stores grab a basket, load up on makeup and make a run for it -- that is until Monday. That's when Melissa Balderas and Adriana Servantes were arrested at this CVS store on Harrisburg. They're accused of stealing more than $3,000 worth of makeup. It quickly became a broader investigation. "It just began to snowball," Caldwell said. Deputies have linked the women as well as a third, Jessica Balderas to a total of 8 thefts at CVS stores all across the Houston area, as well as one at this Melrose Store in the east end. There, they're accused of stealing $1,200 worth of Capri pants. Many of the stores have surveillance video of the thefts some showing children in tow. All three women face felony charges. Jessica Balderas has yet to be arrested. And Caldwell thinks they could uncover many more crimes. "It seems like going for broke at whatever chance they get; with every opportunity, they take it," he said. Adriana Balderas and Servantes are out of jail on bond. We tried to locate them but couldn't. Investigators don't know what they did with the merchandise they're accused of stealing. They do think the women may have hit more stores so they encourage merchants to contact the Harris County Precinct 6 Constable's Office at 713-923-9156 if they think they've been targets. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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