DaVonte Williams, Robbery, Texas 2023

HOUSTON, Texas – DaVonte Williams, a 27-year-old Houston resident, is now in custody after being charged with robbery and brandishing a firearm in a high-speed chase that led to a fatal crash, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

The criminal complaint, filed on January 12, charges DaVonte Williams with interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. He is currently in federal custody and set for initial appearance before a U.S. magistrate judge on January 18 at 2 p.m.

According to the charges, DaVonte Williams robbed a CVS on Tidwell shortly after doing the same at an Exxon Mobil on Eastex Freeway. He allegedly entered the CVS wearing a red ski mask, pointed a handgun at an employee, and demanded cash. He then exited the store and entered a Lincoln Town car, the charges stated.

The complaint alleges that law enforcement attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver refused and began a high-speed chase. Eventually, another vehicle was struck, resulting in injuries and deaths, the charges stated. However, the Lincoln Town Car allegedly continued to flee and escaped.

The investigation led to DaVonte Williams and the suspect Lincoln Town Car, the charges stated. Authorities later located him and took him into custody.

If convicted, DaVonte Williams faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the robbery. Upon any conviction relating to the gun charges, he must also serve a minimum of seven years that must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Harris County Sheriff’s Office; Houston Police Department; and the Texas Department of Public Safety, all members of the Crime Gun Strike Force, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Stotts is prosecuting the case.

This case is an example of coordination between law enforcement who are part of the Houston Law Enforcement Violent Crime Initiative, which combines personnel and resources from numerous federal, state, and local agencies. The goal is to proactively fight and reduce violent crime across the Greater Houston area by targeting the region’s most violent offenders, augmenting investigative and prosecutorial efforts, and enhancing training, public awareness, and education.

A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

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