Shenandoah Zales robbery suspect sentenced; Dextrek Walker receives two 20-year sentences

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas -- On the afternoon of January 12, 2017 at approximately 1:30 p.m., three men entered the Zales store located at 19075 Interstate 45 South in Shenandoah.

One man began stealing jewelry and merchandise from the glass display cases after another man smashed the glass with a hammer. The third man stood lookout while the others stole and bagged $16,000 in merchandise. Another man awaited the three men outside the Zales in a black 2013 Acura acting as a getaway driver.

All of the men were captured as a result of a Zales customer who witnessed the incident. The witness was able to direct officers to the exact escape route where the 4 men had fled via Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department 911 dispatch. The suspect vehicle was observed by Shenandoah Police Officer J. Ferrand. Ferrand followed the suspect vehicle until additional law enforcement units with pursuit vehicles could help initiate a traffic stop.

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department Deputy R. Almendariz was the first to assist Officer Ferrand. The suspect vehicle’s driver fled south near Interstate 45 and the Woodlands Parkway and then struck a Ford pickup causing the pickup to roll over just north of Rayford Road. Fortunately, the driver of the pickup had only minor injuries. The suspect vehicle was disabled and several of the suspects attempted to flee on foot.

All the suspects were captured with the assistance of Shenandoah Police officers including Sergeant M. Brockhoeft and Oak Ridge North officers R. Craig and D. Barry. The suspect, who allegedly smashed the glass cases, was identified as Dextrek Walker, 22 at the time of the incident. He has received two 20-year sentences to be served concurrently.

Judge Kathleen Hamilton, of the 359th District Court, heard evidence regarding the Zales robbery and testimony from Sgt. Brockhoeft, Investigating Officer C. McDuffie and the victims who were Zales employees. Judge Hamilton also heard from Harris County officers regarding a pending “smash and grab” pawn shop robbery in Harris County. There was also evidence regarding Walker’s prior criminal history, including a conviction for felony Possession of a Prohibited Weapon.

Chief Raymond Shaw stated, “This is a perfect example of how the all departments in south Montgomery County exhibit great teamwork to capture criminals whose sole intent is to commit crimes and intimidate working people."

If you have information on a crime committed in Shenandoah Texas or were a victim of crime in Shenandoah, Texas, please call the Shenandoah Police Department at 281-367-8952.