Suspect wanted in ‘wobbly wheel’ scam arrested, HCSO says

HOUSTON — A person wished in reference to a “wobbly wheel” rip-off has been arrested, in accordance with the Harris County Sheriff’s Workplace.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez mentioned 30-year-old Sonny John was arrested for an open warrant after a chase with one other native regulation enforcement company.

The sheriff’s workplace is warning folks to not fall sufferer to this sort rip-off and for different victims to return ahead in the event that they have been focused by this suspect.

Detectives mentioned this suspect is accused of robbing a person at gunpoint in March after convincing him to tug over for a tire subject.

It occurred because the sufferer was leaving a restaurant in southwest Harris County final month.

Rip-off alert: HCSO working to trace down ‘wobbly wheel’ rip-off suspect

“He was flagged down by a Hispanic male who mentioned he was having points together with his tire,” mentioned HCSO investigator Kenneth White.

White mentioned the sufferer pulled over instantly, and the suspect took out his instruments and appeared to work on the tire earlier than demanding $500 in money.

“As soon as the sufferer mentioned he did not have any cash, the suspect retrieved a firearm and knife from his car,” mentioned White.

The suspect pressured the 55-year-old sufferer to take him to a close-by retailer to withdraw cash from an ATM machine.

Editorial observe: The next video is from 2019.

“He was scared for his life,” mentioned White.

Surveillance cameras seize the suspect strolling inside behind the sufferer. The person is unable to entry money. However he would not take no for reply.

“The suspect has the sufferer name two associates to convey money,” mentioned White.

A buddy finally arrived with $160 and the suspect lastly left. Investigators mentioned this might have ended far worse.

“We see crimes like this occur and escalate on a regular basis,” mentioned White. “Particularly when the suspect hears one thing he would not need to hear from the sufferer, like he would not have cash.”

Legislation enforcement’s finest recommendation, until you are certain one thing’s flawed with the automotive, is to not pull over.

“Go forward and maintain driving, and discover somebody you belief to take a look at your car and go from there,” mentioned White.

Detectives consider this was not this suspect’s first time, in the event you acknowledge the suspect, you are requested to name Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477).

KHOU 11 on social media: Fb | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube