Thread: TX: Police: Houston Store owner kills three suspects

Police: Store owner kills three suspects
Updated at 11:36 AM today

Police: Store owner fatally shoots three suspects

Jewelry store owner defends his property
Jewelry store owner kills three suspects

raw video: Three suspects killed in attempted robbery

By Andy Cerota and Christine Dobbyn

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Police say a store owner shot and killed three suspects during an attempted robbery of his jewelry store yesterday afternoon.

Police are calling the jewelry store owner, 52-year-old Ramon Castillo a hero. They say in all likelihood, he probably saved his wife's life when he shot and killed three armed robbers trying to steal from him.

"You have a store owner who protected his wife, protected himself and who knows what they were going to do after this," HPD Spokesman Kese Smith said.

Police were called to Castillo Jewelry on Canal Street and North Hagerman Street around 2pm. Police say two of the suspects came into the store and asked about a ring. While Castillo and his wife were helping them, a third person came into the store, pulled out a gun and said he was robbing the store.

That's when the other two suspects pulled out guns as well. They forced the wife into a back room and tied her hands with plastic wiring.

The owner was able to grab a handgun that he kept for protection as the suspects were trying to tie him up. That's when he shot and killed one of the suspects. Castillo then grabbed a shotgun and shot and killed the other two suspects, but not before they managed to shoot him in the shoulder and abdomen. He was taken to Hermann Memorial Hospital where he underwent surgery.

"Absolute bravery, courage and he saved his wife's life," HPD Homicide Sgt. Brian Harris said.

Neighbors say Castillo was prepared because he had been targeted before.

"They broke in his place once, and they robbed him another time," said neighbor Dan Montoya.

The store has a secondary door and a security buzzer to allow customers access to the shop. Neighbors say Castillo was concerned about his wife's safety in the store.

When the neighbors heard muffled gunshots, they first stood outside the store wondering if the well-known business owner was even alive. As the news spread he had survived, bystanders went through many emotions.

"It's very shocking, but also at the same time, we're so proud of him," neighbor Miriam Dosal said.

"If you look at it the other way, the lady could've gotten hurt. It would've been her and the three would've been gone and police would be looking for them, so I believe justice was served," neighbor George Flores said.

Police are searching for a possible fourth suspect who was operating as a getaway driver. He's been described as a Hispanic man in his 20s with a thin face, possibly driving a gold or brown 90s model Nissan Sentra type vehicle.

Two of the suspects have been identified. Police say Nelson Ramiro, 21, had a Honduran identification card. Onilton Castillano, 38, was reportedly the first to be killed. He's believed to be the suspect who tied up the owner's wife. The third suspect has not been identified. The investigation is ongoing.

The owner's wife was uninjured and went to the hospital to be with Castillo after giving her statements to police.

Castillo is listed in fair condition at Hermann Memorial Hospital.

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?secti ... id=7848006

They finally reported tonight that the three dead robbers were Hondurans, but they hadn't established their status yet.

Sources: Suspects killed by Houston jewelry store owner had been on robbery spree

by Michelle Homer / khou.com & Kevin Reece / 11 News

khou.com

Posted on December 17, 2010 at 12:49 PM
Updated today at 5:40 PM

HOUSTON – Police on Friday identified two of three robbery suspects who were gunned down by a jewelry store owner in east Houston Thursday afternoon, and investigators said there may be a fourth suspect who got away.

Police said Nelson Tambora-Ramiro, 21, Onilton Castillano, 38, and a still-unidentified third suspect were killed when they attempted to rob the Castillo Jewelry store in the 4500 block of Canal Street.

All three suspects were Honduran nationals, according to police sources. It's not clear if they were in the country legally.

Sources said the suspects were part of an organized group of robbers targeting Hispanic businesses in the area. They said they likely spoke only Spanish and one of them had rotten teeth. Police are hoping other business owners who were victimized by the group will come forward.

Investigators said two of the suspects posed as customers, and as store owners Ramon and Eva Castillo were assisting them, the third suspect entered the store, pulled out a gun and announced it was a robbery.

One of the other two suspects also pulled out a pistol, and the three forced the Castillos into the office area of the store.

Police said the suspects started tying Eva Castillo up and told Ramon Castillo to put his hands behind his back.

But Mr. Castillo used that opportunity to reach into his back waistband, pull out his pistol and shoot one of the suspects.

Police said the other two suspects started shooting at Ramon Castillo, who returned fire as he made his way to a shotgun he kept in the store.

Once he got the shotgun, police said Mr. Castillo killed the two remaining suspects.

Ramon Castillo suffered critical gunshot wounds to his stomach, shoulder and legs and was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital. He was last reported in critical condition.

His children issued the following statement Friday afternoon: "On Thursday, December 16th, our parents were the victims of a horrible crime that resulted in critical injuries to　our father, Ramon Castillo. Words cannot express our outrage at this needless act of violence. However, we are not surprised that our father chose to fight back against these attackers to save his property and most of all, to protect our mother and his wife of 30 years, Eva. We are extremely proud of our father for his heroic efforts and believe that he will make a full recovery. We appreciate the many words of encouragement and concern that we’ve received and ask for your continued prayers for our father’s full recovery. We do ask for some privacy during this critical and painful time."

Eva Castillo was not injured.

Investigators said a possible fourth suspect, who may have been acting as the getaway driver, got away in a gold, square-body, four-door sedan from the early 90s – possibly a Nissan or a Toyota.

He is described as a Hispanic male, 20 to 25 years old with a buzz haircut. He was dressed like a construction worker.

Neighbors called Ramon Castillo a hero. They said their area is overrun with criminals, and Thursday’s robbery wasn’t the first time Ramon Castillo’s business has been targeted.

Adolfo Marmolejo’s barbershop is just a block away.

He still has a shattered window from one of the two robberies he’s suffered here in just the last six months.

"He was protecting his business. I mean I’m pretty sure if I had a gun and somebody came in here and robbed me, I would do the same thing," Marmolejo said.

"It’s a pretty tough neighborhood. People are getting tired of getting robbed or getting stabbed," Jaime Alanias said. "When you do bad things, bad things happen."

"It’s about time he did something about it," neighbor Theresa Arellano said.

"He was waiting for them this time. They didn’t get away. What can I say? I feel bad for the families, but when you play rough there are bad things that can happen," another neighbor said.

Yet another neighbor, who would not provide a name, said the suspects got what they deserved.

"Criminals pack guns, but they’re not the only ones. They gotta realize that, gotta always remember that, there’s gonna be a time when it’s gonna be their time. Not only the ones they try to rob," he said.

Police were asking anyone with information on this case or the whereabouts of the fourth suspect to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477 or HPD Homicide at 713-308-3600.

http://www.khou.com/news/Police-identif ... 83964.html

Obama and DHS don't have to worry about about helping these three illegals anymore. They have been granted amnesty by the store owner. Good riddance.

Originally Posted by bigtex

Obama and DHS don't have to worry about about helping these three illegals anymore. They have been granted amnesty by the store owner. Good riddance.

Only because Texas passed a castle doctrine that allows us to defend our property with deadly force, instead of being convicted for harming crooks, robbers and killers.

Dixie

Originally Posted by Dixie

Only because Texas passed a castle doctrine that allows us to defend our property with deadly force, instead of being convicted for harming crooks, robbers and killers.

Dixie

As usual, Texans have learned how to take care of themselves. It's been the story since the Alamo. We know we can't depend on the US Government for any help. Too bad this store owner was shot 4 times by these illegal criminals from the south doing what the US Government should have been doing years ago.