HOUSTON – Authorities took into custody a person of interest in three fatal shootings, an aggravated robbery, attempted murder and a home invasion in the Cypress area and north Houston.
Harris County Sheriff's Office deputies chased Jose Gilberto Rodriguez, 46, through the Cypress area Tuesday morning before the chase ended on North Eldridge Parkway and Wortham Landing Drive, officials said.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez Monday night said Jose Gilberto Rodriguez, 46, a registered sex offender, was considered a serial killer and was believed to be armed and dangerous.
"We have serious concerns that this individual will strike again," Gonzalez said.
"This individual is considered to be armed and dangerous and as soon as we can get him into custody the sooner we can all breathe a little better," Houston police Chief Art Acevedo said.
VIDEO: Houston police provide updates after man linked to killings is identified
"We are obviously extremely concerned," Gonzalez said.
Rodriguez, who is on parole, cut off his ankle monitoring system before the crime spree began, officials said. He is described as being Hispanic, 5 feet 9 inches tall, between 135 and 160 pounds. Deputies said he has a bald or shaved head with tattoos on both forearms, his neck and on top of his head.
The Hempstead Police Department said it is looking into reports that Rodriguez may have been seen there in recent days.
"We believe this individual has actually cased neighborhoods, knocked on doors pretending that he’s looking for somebody," Acevedo said.
Below is a timeline of events in the cases:
July 9
The first aggravated robbery police said Rodriguez is connected to was a home invasion July 9 in the 12000 block of Foxburo Drive.
July 13
The body of 62-year-old Pamela Johnson was found at a home in the 12400 block of Bent Pine Drive. Her body was tied up when it was found, according to authorities. After being taken from the scene Friday, Johnson's 2004 maroon PT Cruiser was found Saturday at Willowbrook Mall.
July 14
A Mattress Firm employee found dead in the back of a northwest Houston store Saturday. Police said Allie Barrow, 28, was shot in the head. A manager discovered her body in the store at The Commons shopping center at 7592 West FM 1960, near Tomball Parkway.
Rodriguez is considered a person of interest in her death.
July 16
Another deadly shooting happened Monday afternoon at a north Houston Mattress One. Edward Magana, an employee of the Northline Commons store at I-45 North Freeway and East Crosstimbers Street, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said Rodriguez is a person of interest in the shooting. A photo of Magana is below.
Magana was killed on Monday shortly after his lunch break.
The three victims were killed in a similar way, police said.
July 16
Authorities said earlier Monday, a METRO driver was robbed and shot near a gas station on the Eastex Freeway. The driver was shot in the torso and taken to a hospital. His condition was unknown. Rodriguez is considered a person of interest in the incident.
Police said Rodriguez was last seen driving a dark gray 2017 Nissan Sentra with license plate number KPD 2805, but is known to switch vehicles often.