Alleged police impersonator sought in robberies
A 42-year-old man has been accused in a string of armed robberies in recent weeks while he allegedly impersonated a police officer in north Houston.
Alvaro Javier Hidalgo, also known as Alberto Jose Hernandez, is charged with three counts of aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon, according to the Houston Police Department. Police said the most recent heist occurred about 10 a.m. on Oct. 1 at a Star Stop at 1302 North Loop. The suspect allegedly walked up to a man, identified himself as a police officer and asked him if he had any narcotics or prostitutes. Then he forced his way into the victim’s vehicle and ordered the man to drive to a nearby motel, police said.
At the motel, the suspect grabbed a safety vest from one of the rooms, then climbed behind the steering wheel of the man’s car and drove to a nearby Western Inn, where he pulled a gun and robbed the victim, police said. During the incident, Hidalgo spoke into what appeared to be a police radio as if he were speaking to other officers, said police, who added that after the robbery, Hidalgo got out of the car, threatened to kill the man and left.
Another robbery happened around 6 p.m. Sept. 26 outside a Katz Boutique at 9820 North Freeway. A man was walking into the store when Hidalgo allegedly approached him, pulled a gun from his waistband and demanded the man’s wallet and truck keys. Then he sped away in the victim’s truck, police said. Again, the suspect had a radio during the robbery, police said.
Several days earlier, police said, Hidalgo robbed a man about 1:30 a.m. Sept. 19 at a Texaco gas station at 9404 North Freeway. The victim told investigators that two men walked up to him and stole his identification, cellphone and cash. During the robbery, Hidalgo allegedly flashed a badge and pointed a gun at the victim. A description of the other suspect in the case was not released.
Authorities say Hidalgo may be connected to at least six other robberies. He also may have had an accomplice, who so far has eluded capture.
Anyone with information about the cases is urged to contact HPD at 713-3083100 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.