Brazen Home Invasion Shakes Houston Family: Suspects Posing as DoorDash Drivers Terrorize Mother and Children

In a shocking incident that has left a Houston family traumatized, two men posing as DoorDash delivery drivers allegedly forced their way into a family's home, zip-tied the mother, and engaged in a shootout with police, leaving an officer injured. The harrowing ordeal has raised concerns about the safety of families in their own homes and the need for increased vigilance against such brazen criminal acts.

Suspects Disguised as Delivery Drivers Terrorize Unsuspecting Family

Suspects Gain Entry Under False Pretenses

The incident began when two men wearing surgical masks and carrying a red DoorDash bag knocked on the front door of a family's home in Houston. When the mother, identified as Nicole, answered the door to inform them they had the wrong address, the suspects allegedly forced their way into the home, ransacking the property.

Zip-Tying the Mother in Front of Her Children

According to the homeowner and father, Ben Bates, the suspects immediately pulled a gun from the DoorDash bag and forced their way into the home. They then proceeded to zip-tie the mother, Nicole, while her 1-year-old and 3-year-old children were present, witnessing the terrifying ordeal.

Suspects Attempt to Locate Valuables

The suspects did not harm the children, but they forced the mother to lead them through the rooms of the house, seemingly in search of valuables to steal. Bates described the suspects as "brutes" who were determined to find items to take from the family's home.

Neighbor Calls the Police, Prompting a Shootout

A neighbor who witnessed the crime immediately called the police, and two officers quickly arrived at the scene. The officers found the mother and one child in the living room, with the suspects still inside the home. As one of the alleged suspects, Michael Perez, was being arrested, the second suspect, Raymond Perez, emerged from a bedroom and opened fire, striking Officer S. Durfee in the leg.

Suspect Flees the Scene, but is Apprehended

Despite being shot, Officer Durfee was able to return fire, though he did not hit the suspect. Raymond Perez then fled the house, but was arrested a block away. A third suspect, Brian Garcia Chavez, was captured about six hours later after he drove away from the home.

Suspects Facing Serious Charges

Raymond Perez is facing charges of aggravated assault against a public servant, aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon, and unlawful carrying of a weapon. Michael Perez, 38, and Chavez, 18, were charged with aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon.

Traumatized Family Left Shaken by the Ordeal

The victimized family, including the father, Ben Bates, is understandably shaken by the traumatic experience. Bates expressed that he had never encountered anything like this in his lifetime and could not imagine the emotional toll it has taken on his daughter, Nicole.The brazen home invasion and the suspects' use of a DoorDash delivery disguise have raised concerns about the safety of families in their own homes. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need for increased security measures to protect against such violent and unpredictable criminal acts.