Investigation Uncovers a Web of Violent Robberies

On May 4, 2026, Detective Pabon was assigned an aggravated robbery/carjacking case for further investigation. Detective Pabon conducted an extensive review of related incidents, evidence, automated license plate reader (LPR) data, electronic records, video footage, recovered property, and suspect information. His investigative efforts connected multiple seemingly separate robberies and led to the identification and prosecution of additional suspects. While working a separate robbery investigation, Detective Pabon developed a person of interest who had been selling iPhones through EcoATM locations throughout Southwest Houston. Detective Pabon discovered a transaction in which a black iPhone was sold and compared the phone’s serial number and IMEI against reported thefts. Detective Pabon discovered the device belonged to the complainant in the aggravated robbery/carjacking case assigned to him.

This investigative connection became a critical breakthrough. Detective Pabon determined the same suspect vehicle, a red sedan, appeared in LPR records near the robbery and later near where the stolen vehicle was found crashed and abandoned. Detective Pabon also identified a connection to a separate robbery where he followed the electronic trail and discovered that, on the same date as that robbery, the suspect sold another victim’s phone through an EcoATM. Detective Pabon and Sgt. Alobaidi responded to the Fuel Depot Gas Station to review surveillance footage. The footage provided additional evidence identifying another suspect fleeing toward the same red sedan that had been connected to the other investigations. Detective Pabon was able to use this information to further identify other individuals involved.

Detective Pabon’s investigation expanded further when a complainant described being lured to a location under the pretense of purchasing marijuana. The complainant reported that he was confronted by two masked males armed with a firearm while a female suspect used pepper spray against him. The suspects ordered him out of his vehicle, took his property, and fled in his vehicle. Detective Pabon learned the stolen vehicle had been located following a police pursuit. Multiple persons of interest were detained, including the suspect and two juveniles. Multiple cellphones were also recovered from the stolen vehicle. Detective Pabon took custody of the devices and discovered significant evidence of the suspects collaboration before and during the robbery. Detective Pabon identified a phone number associated with the female suspect and he was able to track her down to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Detective Pabon contacted the Tulsa Police Department and coordinated with its extradition personnel. His efforts resulted in the female suspect being taken into custody in Tulsa County, pending extradition to Houston. Detective Pabon demonstrated initiative by identifying investigative leads outside the scope of the original report, persistence by following those leads through multiple jurisdictions and evidence sources, and exceptional attention to detail. Most importantly, Detective Pabon’s investigative efforts provided victims with answers and held individuals accountable in a series of violent offenses, for that the union awards him investigator of the month.