Authorities release sketch of suspect in southeast Houston elderly home invasion

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Houston Police and Crime Stoppers released a sketch on Tuesday of a man they said assaulted and robbed 94-year-old Opehlia Outley.

The robbery happened on January 18 around 10am in the 5000 block of Higgins Street in southeast Houston.

"I'm sorry that he felt like he picked me but he did," said Opheila Outley.

The community believes Outley is just one of too many victims.

Police say a man broke into Outley's home, stole a TV, assaulted her and stole her phones so she couldn't call for help.

He's described as being 5' 10", between 25 to 30 years old, with a thin build. Police released a sketch Tuesday afternoon.

As for Outley, she's still in rehab, one month later. Her pain was so bad on Tuesday afternoon, she wasn't able to do her rehab.

"It is a lot of crime and it's unnecessary," said Colene Jackson.

Jackson is 88 years old and lives in Sunnyside. Jackson, along with other neighbors, want to see the crime end.

Eyewitness News found 16 assaults occurred in Sunnyside over just the past two weeks.

Councilman Dwight Boykins wants to see the number of halfway homes in the area reduced.

"Whether it's a halfway house through the state of Texas, that needs to be dealt with, a lot of paroles are being paroled to the Sunnyside area," said Boykins.

Boykins also would like to see more officers.

"We're 3,500 officers short so everybody want more protection but we need more officers," said Boykins.

Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for any information called in to the 713-222-TIPS (8477) or submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org that leads to the filing of felony charges or arrest of the suspect in this case. Tips can also be sent by text message. Text TIP610 plus your tip to CRIMES (274637). All tipsters remain anonymous.