A 21-year-old man from Sheldon has landed in jail after confessing to a series of armed robberies that took place Thursday across Sheldon and Channelview. According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), Nico Betancourt now faces three serious charges of aggravated robbery and is being held on a $250,000 bond.
How the Robbery Spree Began
The first incident happened at a Denny’s restaurant located on the Crosby Freeway near Sheldon Road. Authorities say an employee was robbed at gunpoint by a man wearing a camouflage face covering. The suspect made off with around $200 in cash before fleeing the scene.
Robbery at Boost Mobile in Channelview
Later that same evening, deputies responded to another armed robbery, this time at a Boost Mobile store near the East Freeway in Channelview.
The crime was more intense—one victim was forced to kneel at gunpoint and give up his wallet, credit cards, mobile phone, and cash. A second victim was robbed of nearly $250.
Witnesses told investigators that the suspect was wearing a black hoodie with a picture of Marilyn Monroe printed on the front, which helped law enforcement piece things together.
Attempted Robbery at 7-Eleven
Still on Thursday night, a gunman matching the earlier description tried to rob a 7-Eleven store on Sheldon Road. However, this attempt failed. The store employee managed to escape, and the suspect left empty-handed.
How Deputies Caught the Suspect
Later that night, deputies spotted a black 2010 Chrysler 200 that matched witness descriptions of the getaway vehicle. During the traffic stop, police discovered:
A Glock handgun
Illegal narcotics
Credit cards that belonged to one of the robbery victims
Clothing matching what the suspect was said to be wearing
Betancourt was initially taken into custody on unrelated charges. But after speaking with detectives about the robberies, he admitted to committing all three crimes.
Nico Betancourt now faces three counts of aggravated robbery—a serious felony offense in Texas. With a bond set at $250,000, he remains in custody at the Harris County Jail.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to see if Betancourt may be linked to any other similar incidents in the area. For now, the community can breathe a little easier knowing that the suspect is behind bars.
