HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A Houston man is back behind bars for his involvement in multiple armed robberies just months after being released from prison. Ronald Albert, 35, faces charges related to three armed robberies, although Detective G.D. Garcia of the Houston Police Robbery Division indicated that Albert is connected to a total of seven.
“He has a very solid history of violent behavior,” Garcia stated.
Albert was released in October after serving a 10-year prison sentence for committing nine armed robberies at fast-food restaurants and gas stations.
“I think ten years would have been enough time to learn his lesson,” Garcia remarked.
By January, police suspected Albert had resumed his criminal activities, as surveillance footage captured him committing several robberies. Albert is known for targeting female employees, particularly when the businesses are empty.
“A lot of our complainants are Spanish-speaking only, but I guess they understand the universal language of, unfortunately, a gun in their face,” Garcia said.
Garcia noted that Albert’s actions have become increasingly bold. While he sometimes covered his face, there were instances where he did not.
During a robbery on June 5, surveillance footage showed Albert firing his gun, though no one was hit.
“One of the most important weapon safety rules is to keep your finger off the trigger,” Garcia explained at a news conference on Friday. “In his case, he has his finger on the trigger ready to pull at a moment’s notice, and the fact that we’re not investigating a capital murder is an absolute blessing.”
Albert’s alleged crimes occurred in January, March, May, and June. Given the gaps between incidents, police believe there may be additional victims.
“The possibilities are endless regarding what he’s done in these eight months,” Garcia said.
Albert’s bond has been denied. He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, where a district court judge could potentially change this decision.
Anyone with further information about other crimes or Albert’s getaway driver is urged to contact the Houston Police Robbery Division at 713-308-0700.
