Houston, TX – The incident happened Tuesday, August 4, near Bellaire Boulevard and Chimney Rock Road. According to HPD and court documents cited in subsequent reporting, an armored truck guard had completed a cash pickup and was returning to the vehicle when suspects approached. Investigators said the suspects used bear spray on the guard in an attempt to steal the cash. The guard responded by firing several shots, striking at least two suspects.
The teenagers fled the scene and were later taken to an emergency care clinic after being dropped off by a white Mercedes. The two wounded suspects, ages 17 and 16, were transported to Texas Children’s Hospital. The 17-year-old was identified as Ayden Bazy. Both teenagers were reported to be in stable condition with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. The 16-year-old has not been publicly identified.
Investigators determined that the suspects had used a vehicle connected to the robbery before leaving the area. Police later traced the white Mercedes to a car wash in north Houston. Authorities said several people were found inside the vehicle attempting to clean blood from the car. Investigators also alleged that a firearm was hidden in the trunk.
Danaya Pope, 20, was identified as the alleged driver of the Mercedes. Court documents indicate Pope faces three felony charges, including aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon and two counts related to tampering with or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impede an investigation. Her bond was set at $700,000, and she is scheduled for another court appearance September 22.
Bazy, 17, has been charged with aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon. As of the latest available reporting, he remained hospitalized in stable condition. He attended Heights High School and had publicly announced a commitment to play football at Missouri State University. Missouri State said Bazy is not currently enrolled at the university and cited NCAA rules in declining to comment on the circumstances surrounding his reported commitment.
Court records also show Bazy had previously faced an aggravated robbery charge stemming from an April case involving two juvenile victims and firearms. Prosecutors dismissed that case in June, stating that it could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt at that time. The dismissal of that earlier case does not establish guilt in the current investigation.
Police have said the attempted robbery resulted in no money being taken. The armored truck guard who was confronted was not seriously injured, although authorities said he was shaken by the incident. No bystanders were reported injured.
The FBI is assisting the Houston Police Department with the investigation. Authorities continue to investigate the roles of the suspects and whether additional individuals could face charges.
All suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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