x
Breaking News
More () »

Wanted: Violent robber who pistol-whipped tourists outside Galveston Kroger

The robbers attacked a 72-year-old woman and her grandson visiting from the Houston area.

GALVESTON, Texas — Galveston police are determined to find the violent robbers who attacked two people from the Houston area outside a Kroger on June 7.

They released a sketch Friday of one of the suspects in the robbery that happened outside the Kroger at 5730 Seawall Boulevard around 9:45 p.m.

Police say they pistol-whipped a 72-year-old woman and her 21-year-old grandson who were loading their groceries near the gas tanks. Both were treated at an area hospital.

A younger grandchild witnessed the attack from inside the car, but she wasn’t hurt.

RELATED: Robbers pistol-whip 72-year-old woman, man at Kroger in Galveston, police say

RELATED: Galveston police arrest 3 robbery suspects from Houston after second violent attack this week

The victims are still very shaken, GPD Detective Michelle Sollenberger said during a news conference.

Help from HPD sketch artist

They helped renowned HPD artist Lois Gibson come up with the sketch of one suspect.

He is a black male, about 6’ tall with a slim build and a small tattoo -- design unknown -- near his right eye. The victims initially told police both men had facial tattoos. One was wearing all black and the other wore a red hoodie. They got away in a white sedan -- possibly a Honda -- and headed north on 57th Street.

Tourists may be targeted

The woman and her grandchildren were visiting the Island from the Houston area. Sollenberger said the victims were wearing “flashy” jewelry, but they don’t know if that’s why they were targeted.

Sollenberger urged everyone to beware of their surroundings. She said tourists, in particular, may be targeted because they tend ot have money or other objects criminals want.

Reward fund

Galveston business owners helped raise more than $8,000 for a reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction. 

"It’s not just a Galveston thing. It’s not just a Houston thing. It’s not just a Texan thing. This is what we do. This is what makes us, us. We look after one another," said Cole Wallace, owner of the Bin Store. "I know that she’s my sister in Christ and that’s all that matters."

 "People are just sick and tired of the criminals getting away with stuff and are trying to make our community safer by getting these bad guys off the streets," Sollenberger said.

Victims 'traumatized'

During the news conference, she read a statement from the victim. 

"On behalf of myself and my family, I would like to thank the Galveston businesses and the caring people of Galveston for the reward to catch these dangerous criminals. Myself and my grandchildren are traumatized by this cowardly act that will not be forgotten. Please help the island residents and our visitors to the island to feel safe and any tips of any kind could help the police to capture them. Thank you."

If you have any information about this case, please contact the Galveston Police Department’s Investigative Services Bureau at (409) 765-3770 or Galveston County Crime Stoppers at (409) 763-8477.

In an unrelated case, police arrested three people from Houston accused of pistol-whipping another robbery victim early Thursday morning. 

Before You Leave, Check This Out