Man Posing as UPS Delivery Driver, 3 Others Wanted in Violent Robbery, Police Say

Houston police are looking for four suspects wanted in the violent robbery.

ByABC News
December 2, 2016, 5:17 PM

— -- A man who posed as a UPS delivery driver and three others are wanted in a violent robbery, caught in part on camera, according to Houston police.

The robbery occurred on Nov. 22 around 8:40 p.m. local time at a residence on Willers Way in Houston, Texas, police said. A surveillance camera outside the home captured part of the incident, according to police.

In the surveillance footage, one suspect -- clad in a UPS jacket and brown baseball cap, and carrying a package -- is seen approaching the door to the residence. Police said the man rang the doorbell, claiming he needed a signature for the package.

After the homeowner opens the door, the surveillance footage appears to show the man forcing his way into the home. Three other suspects brandishing guns and wearing hoodies or masks then appear and also enter the home.

Upon entering, police said the suspects assaulted a man inside the residence with a pistol. At some point during the struggle, a shot was fired, though no one was struck, police said.

The man was later transported to a local hospital for severe neck and head injuries, police said. Two women inside the house were able to grab two small children and lock themselves in closets to stay safe, according to police.

The suspects stole several pieces of jewelry and collectible firearms before fleeing the scene in a getaway car, police said.

Authorities are cautioning homeowners in the area to not open the door if they don’t recognize their regular delivery person.

The Houston Police Department is working with UPS in the investigation, according to local ABC-owned station KTRK.

"We're still trying to understand how the suspect gained access to that jacket. UPS is fully cooperating,” Houston Police Department Sgt. Tony Mora told KTRK on Friday. “Their full-time employees are the ones who are normally issued that jacket.”

In a statement, UPS said it was aware of the incident in Houston and added that it is "cooperating with law enforcement as they are leading the investigation."

"We appreciate the public’s trust extended to our delivery personnel and hope the perpetrator is quickly apprehended and [brought] to justice," UPS said.

The company also offered advice: "If consumers are concerned about the identity of UPS personnel, they should ask to see a photo I.D. Consumers can also direct that the parcel be left at the door without a signature required. Residents do not have to sign for a delivery unless they specifically ordered that the delivery be made with ‘signature required.’

"Further, UPS offers online services including UPS My Choice, which provides email alerts on the delivery status and time frame for the delivery. Shipments also can be routed to a local UPS Access Point location if the consumer prefers to pick up the parcel at a nearby neighborhood UPS Store or other participating retailer, rather than having it delivered at their residence.”

Anyone with information on the incident is urged to contact the HPD Robbery Division at 713-308-0700.