2 charged after off-duty deputy foils robbery, shoots suspect

Ramon Alonso Martinez, 19, was charged with aggravated robbery for allegedly holding up a Valero gas station in the 4300 block of Gessner Road on Sunday, April 21, 2019. Ramon Alonso Martinez, 19, was charged with aggravated robbery for allegedly holding up a Valero gas station in the 4300 block of Gessner Road on Sunday, April 21, 2019. Photo: Houston Police Department Photo: Houston Police Department Image 1 of / 21 Caption Close 2 charged after off-duty deputy foils robbery, shoots suspect 1 / 21 Back to Gallery

Two men – including one shot by an off-duty deputy – are facing aggravated robbery charges after a foiled gas station heist Sunday night in northwest Houston.

Ramon Alonso Martinez, 19, and Arthur Jess Villarreal, 20, were part of a five-man group who allegedly held up the Valero convenience store in the 4300 block of Gessner Road late Sunday as an off-duty Harris County Precinct 6 Constable's Office deputy was passing by, Houston police said.

The deputy was in uniform driving his personal vehicle home after his shift when he spotted four men in hoodies walking toward the gas station, Houston Police Department Assistant Chief Sheryl Victorian said. The fifth suspect was waiting in a white Chevrolet Trailblazer as a getaway driver, police later said.

"As he pulled up, two of the gentlemen ran out past his car back along the other side of the fence. He noticed they had weapons," Victorian said, later adding that officers recovered at least one firearm from the scene.

"(Another suspect) had a bat," she said.

Thinking this was suspicious, the deputy pulled into the gas station and watched the men as they went inside, Victorian said. He saw the convenience store clerk hold up his hands, indicating the men were inside robbing the store, she said.

As the four ran out of the store – cash and stolen cigarettes in hand – the deputy jumped out of his vehicle, drew his weapon, identified himself as a police officer and ordered the men to stop, Victorian said. One of the suspects, later identified as Villarreal, turned back toward the deputy, at which time the deputy shot him in the chest, Victorian said.

After striking Villarreal, the deputy detained Martinez as the other three suspects sped away, police said.

Villareal was rushed to Ben Taub Hospital in an unknown condition. He and Martinez are both facing an aggravated robbery charge for the holdup, punishable by up to 20 years in prison if they're convicted.

Anyone with information about the other suspects is urged to call Houston Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477).

Jay R. Jordan covers breaking news in the Houston area. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com | Follow him on Twitter at @JayRJordan | Email him at jay.jordan@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message