HOUSTON, TX – A brazen armed robbery targeting a landscaping crew unfolded in northeast Houston earlier this week, leaving the workers shaken and their equipment stolen. The incident was captured on surveillance video, revealing the startling sequence of events that began with a seemingly innocuous confrontation.
Rosendo Valdez, a tree removal professional, was engaged in routine work when a gray truck passed by, sparking an argument over the branches his crew had cut. Valdez suspects the altercation was a deliberate ploy to distract them as a black BMW pulled up moments later. Armed individuals emerged from the vehicle, immediately opening fire, and forcing Valdez and his crew to seek refuge across the street.
Surveillance footage captured the robbers seizing the crew’s valuable equipment. One individual was seen grabbing two chainsaws and sprinting back to the getaway car. Another suspect fired a gun before collecting two more chainsaws, dropping one in the process, only to return moments later for a leaf blower. In total, the thieves made off with approximately $3,500 worth of equipment.
Reflecting on the incident, Valdez expressed frustration and disbelief at the brazenness of the crime. “Get a job,” he remarked, emphasizing the hard work that went into acquiring their tools. This robbery marks his first encounter with such violence in nearly three decades of work in the industry.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Lawn care workers have increasingly become targets for criminals. In April, another landscaper was forced to defend himself using a weed trimmer against a would-be thief. Despite these challenges, Valdez remains hopeful that the perpetrators will be identified and brought to justice. Houston police are actively investigating the case.
In the aftermath of the robbery, Valdez and his team face the daunting task of rebuilding their business from scratch. Meanwhile, authorities and industry experts urge contractors and landscapers to take precautionary measures. Recommendations include securing trucks and trailers with locks, installing GPS trackers on equipment, and engraving names or business details on tools to deter theft.
As the investigation continues, the landscape community in Houston is left grappling with the reality of increasing threats to their livelihood. The incident underscores the importance of vigilance and security in safeguarding valuable equipment and ensuring the safety of workers.