Deputies hold surprise zero-tolerance operation

HOUSTON The Harris County Constable Precinct 4 deputies do these kind of sweeps occasionally. But as Eyewitness News found out Friday night that just because it's zero tolerance, it doesn't mean there's zero crime.

They fanned out across the FM 1960 corridor for what they call a zero-tolerance crackdown: pulling over suspicious cars and arresting everyone with outstanding warrants.

"I didn't even know about it," resident Linda Mims said.

Deputies wanted to keep the operation under wraps until they began so they didn't tip off potential criminals.

But despite having dozens of law enforcement in the area, a Starbucks just a few blocks from the mobile command center was robbed Friday night, and the two suspects -- a man and a woman -- got away.

Many residents Eyewitness News talked to say they generally feel safe but know crime happens everywhere.

"A lot of mischief and some vandalizing, burglary, kids," resident Les Novak said. "We had a bike stolen I guess about a year ago."

Deputies said they expected to make dozens of arrests by the end of Friday and hoped to catch the robbers of Starbucks before Operation Zero Tolerance ends at 2am.

They're hoping the operation also will send the message to kids that they need to go to school and stay out of trouble.