Cinco Ranch Robbery Suspect in Custody After Heightened Security Near Katy Schools

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

April 6, 2019

By Natalie Cook Clark

A suspect in a robbery involving a teenage girl was apprehended Thursday after patrol was increased around Cinco Ranch Junior High and High School, due to their proximity. Now, a closer look at the suspect's Facebook profile raises concerns over his intentions with local girls.

James Mertes was arrested Thursday and charged with aggravated robbery. Photo Credit: FBCSO

Suspect in Custody

James Mertes was arrested Thursday, April 4 and charged with aggravated robbery after he was interviewed by Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office (FBCSO) detectives. Mertes is believed to be the man who authorities were searching for Wednesday from Westheimer Parkway and Commercial Center Bouleveard to SH 99.

In a statement on social media, Constable Wayne Thomspon said Mertes "was the suspect in a robberty of a 16 year old female at knife point."

Major Chad Norvell, with the FBCSO, said two Precinct 3 Deputies initially stopped Mertes on Cinco Ranch Bouleveard and Hamptonshire Lane at 4:15 am.

"They identified him and released him," Norvell said. "After they released him, another deputy realized that was probably the suspect."

FBCSO deputies searched for two hours, and Mertes was caught at 6:44 am at the 3000 block of Falcon Landing Boulevard.

Concerns Over Suspect's Social Media Intentions with Girls

After the news of Mertes' arrest broke on the FBCSO's Facebook page, many Katy residents voiced concerns.

They had discovered disturbing remarks on the suspect's multiple Facebook profiles. In one page's bio, Mertes says, "I'm here looking for young girls who live in the katy tx area." More than 2000 of Mertes' friends' profiles show pictures of young women.

"Facebook isn’t relevant to the robbery," says Norvell. "We’re glad he’s off the street and that the case was quickly resolved. We appreciate the numerous residents who called in to report sightings."

Norvell did admit that it's conceivable that another agency would look into the Facebook profile.

Mertes is currently being held in the Fort Bend County Jail with a $100,000 bond. If he is bonded out, he would be required to wear an ankle monitor.

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