HPD: Two gunmen behind three robberies near the Heights

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Two armed and masked men are accused of committing a string of robberies in and around the Heights area.

Houston police say the men began their crime spree at a Valero gas station on West 16th street and North Shephered around 9:30pm last night.

An hour later, police believe the same two men stormed a Raising Cane's restaurant on Ella and the North Loop. Both customers and employees were inside when shots broke out.

"One of the suspects fired a round not in the direction of anybody but apparently just to intimidate the people inside the store to cooperate," HPD Lt. Larry Crowson said.

The crime spree ended at 1:00am after the same two men robbed a Walgreen's in the 900 blcok of Studemont. Authorities say the men were able to get away with an unknown amount of cash from the store. Surveillance video captured them leaving in a white or silver Hyundai.

Anyone who knows anything about the crimes is urged to call Houston Police or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.