Houston ‘serial robber’ arrested: Man tied to 7 armed robberies after 10-year sentence, police seek more victims

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A Houston man is behind bars for his role in multiple armed robberies after being released from prison just months ago.

Ronald Albert, 35, is charged with three armed robberies, but Detective G.D. Garcia of the Houston Police Department’s Robbery Division said he is linked to seven others.

“He has a very strong history of violent behavior,” Garcia said.

Garcia said Albert was released from a 10-year prison sentence in October for committing nine armed robberies at fast food restaurants and gas stations.

“I think ten years would have been enough for him to learn his lesson,” Garcia said.

As early as January, police believed Albert was committing thefts again. He was caught red-handed on several occasions on surveillance cameras, according to police.

Albert is known to target female employees when stores are empty.

“Many of our plaintiffs only speak Spanish, but I assume they understand the universal language of a gun pointed at their face, unfortunately,” Garcia said.

Garcia said he noticed Albert’s behavior becoming more bold with each incident.

Albert covered his face during some flights but did not bother to do so during others, Garcia said.

During a robbery on June 5, Garcia said he was seen on surveillance video firing his gun. No one was hit.

“One of the most important rules of gun safety is to keep your finger off the trigger,” Garcia said at a news conference Friday. “In his case, he has his finger on the trigger, ready to pull it at any moment, and the fact that we’re not investigating a capital murder is an absolute blessing.”

His alleged crimes occurred in January, March, May and June.

Due to gaps in the timeline, police believe there are other victims they are not aware of.

“The possibilities are endless given what he’s done in those eight months,” Garcia said.

Albert was denied bail. He is due back in court on Monday, where a district court judge could change that decision.

Anyone with additional information about other acts or Albert’s getaway driver is asked to call the Houston Police Department’s Robbery Division at 713-308-0700.

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