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May 15, 2019 – A violent armed robbery crew thought to be responsible for a string of drug store heists has been taken down through a joint operation by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Officers arrested three suspects on the night of Tuesday, May 14 after they robbed a Walgreens store in the 8400 block of Stella Link. They were found in possession of guns, masks, gloves, and more than $3,000 in stolen cash. The suspects are believed to be responsible for a string of six other Walgreens robberies that began May 2.

“I want to congratulate the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Texas DPS investigators who worked around the clock to identify and arrest the members of this dangerous crew, who terrorized Walgreens employees and patrons during this robbery spree,” said Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. “Thanks to their efforts, these cases have been solved before anyone was seriously hurt.”

“These arrests highlight the benefits of our partnership with our fellow law enforcement agencies as we collaboratively address violent crime in Southeast Texas,” said Texas Department of Public Safety Regional Director Jason Taylor. “Thanks to the diligent efforts of the skilled investigators from the DPS and Harris County Sheriff’s Office, these violent felons have been taken into custody.”

Aggravated robbery charges for the May 14 robbery have been filed against Edward James Priestly (DOB: 2/12/88), Roy Battle (DOB: 6/18/89), and Lenishia Williams (DOB: 7/22/89).

Evidence gathered through the joint investigation indicates that the suspects are also linked to the following Walgreens robberies:
• 6000 block of W. FM 1960 on May 2 (Click here to see video)
• 9400 block of Hammerly on May 4
• 16200 block of S. Post Oak on May 9
• 10900 block of W. FM 1960 on May 12
• 2200 block of Texas Parkway in Missouri City on May 12
• 5500 block of W. Orem on May 13

Charges for these robberies are pending further investigation and review by state and federal prosecutors.