Ward’s third crime: 17-year-olds arrested in series of robberies along Columbia bike path, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner says

Houston, Texas (KTRK) – A series of robberies along the Columbia bike path are believed to be the work of the same criminals, and on Tuesday, Mayor Sylvester Turner said two of those suspects have been arrested.

The Houston Police Department has announced that 17-year-old Dion Christian and Willie Carroll have been arrested.

There have been at least five reports of people being robbed since last month.

HPD CEO Larry Satterwhite said he believes the first attack took place on May 22. ABC13 spoke with a victim who requested anonymity out of fear for his safety. He said he was hit by his bike around 11:30 a.m. near Anita Street.

“She shoved me and pushed me hard and I fell to the ground.[I]propped myself up on my elbow, and within seconds someone pulled a gun from me just two feet from my face, and I knew that others were behind me.”

He told ABC13 the teens asked for his cell phone password and counted down as he struggled to share it — unrivaled.

Turner had a message for young people.

“I just want to send a message to many of our young people, especially young males between the ages of 16 and 24. Don’t do things that will really jeopardize your future. Be very careful with who you associate with, especially as we go into this summer. Don’t There’s a reason you feel you have to hurt anyone, hurt anyone, rob anyone, shoot anyone,” Turner said.

The mayor said he expected more arrests.

As summer schedules intensify, city leaders are encouraging people to keep using the trail, saying additional patrols will be in the area.

“You’ll see officers on bike paths, on e-bikes, on ATVs, and some of them you won’t see will be incognito,” said Satterwhite.

One trail user told ABC13 that he tries to choose responsible places to run and always keeps an eye on his surroundings.

“You get that kind of uncomfortable feeling. When that starts to happen, when I’m running a little bit faster and trying to get out of that area early,” said Ryan Weil.

Authorities encourage residents to carry pepper spray or a whistle for safety. They suggest using the trails with a partner or letting someone know where you are.

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WATCH RELATED STORY: Houston Police Launch Firing After 5 Bicyclists Attacked, At Least One Shot, On Trail In Third Ward