HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – A deadly shooting during an alleged robbery in Harris County is bringing attention to the risks of in-person meetups and the safe exchange zones available across the Houston area.
Anthony Castro, 17, is charged with capital murder in connection with the Sept. 13 shooting death of Victor Thomas Gonzales, according to court records. Prosecutors allege Castro intentionally shot Gonzales while committing or attempting to commit a robbery.
Court documents describe a confrontation involving a robbery, gunfire and a vehicle pursuit.
The probable cause document states Gonzales died from a gunshot wound to the right side of his torso.
Prosecutors allege Castro fled the scene and hid evidence after the shooting. They also allege he fired multiple shots on a roadway, endangering the victim and members of the public.
Castro is set to be in court on Monday, September 21.
Where can you safely meet someone to buy or sell an item?
Several Houston-area police departments offer designated safe exchange zones for residents conducting in-person transactions through platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and OfferUp.
Some locations also accommodate child custody exchanges.
These areas typically provide camera surveillance, nearby law enforcement or designated meeting spaces. However, services and hours vary by location.
Here are several options across the Houston area.
University of Houston Police Department
Address: 4051 Wheeler Avenue, Houston
Hours: Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The University of Houston Police Department offers a publicly accessible lobby with convenient parking and camera coverage for members of the UH community conducting personal transactions.
Officers do not get involved in the details of a transaction, but anyone who feels unsafe can use the lobby phone to request an officer.
For larger items, such as furniture that cannot be brought to the station, people on campus can call UHPD dispatch at 713-743-3333 and request a police or security officer at the transaction location.
Houston Police Department
Hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
HPD offers multiple locations for online transactions and child custody exchanges, including designated areas in front of police facilities and on the east side of City Hall.
Residents should confirm the specific meeting location before arriving.
Bellaire Police Department
Bellaire PD offers a publicly accessible lobby with parking and camera coverage.
Residents can also request an officer for a civil standby during an exchange.
Deer Park Police Department
Address: 2911 Center Street, Deer Park
Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The department provides a designated location for exchanges.
Montgomery County Constable Precinct 4
Address: 21130 Highway 59, New Caney, TX 77357
The constable’s office offers a safe exchange zone for residents conducting transactions.
Montgomery Police Department
The department offers a safe exchange zone at City Hall under 24-hour surveillance.
Harris County
Locations:
1302 Preston Street
7300 North Shepherd Drive
Hours: Monday through Friday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The county offers designated safe exchange services during limited weekday hours.
Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office
The constable’s office also serves as a safe exchange location. Residents should contact the agency to confirm the designated meeting area and hours.
Tomball Police Department
Address: 400 Fannin Street, Tomball
Hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The department offers a dedicated exchange space under 24-hour video surveillance.
Pearland Police Department
Pearland PD offers a safe exchange zone available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Residents should contact the individual law enforcement agency before visiting to confirm current hours, access and available services.
What if someone refuses to meet at a police station?
The University of Houston Police Department encourages people to reconsider a transaction if the other party refuses to meet at its police station.
According to UHPD, meeting at a location with camera coverage and nearby officers can provide an additional layer of security.
However, police caution that even designated exchange zones cannot guarantee safety.
How can you protect yourself during an online transaction?
UHPD recommends several precautions for buyers and sellers, even when meeting at a police station.
Verify the seller’s identity: Ask for identification if you suspect an item may be stolen.
Be careful with cash: Avoid displaying large amounts of money and remain alert to anyone who may follow you after a transaction.
Watch for overpayment scams: Be suspicious if someone sends a check for more than the agreed-upon amount and asks you to return the difference.
Beware of fake cashier’s checks: Fraudulent checks may be presented when banks are closed, making immediate verification difficult.
Contact the bank directly: If you receive a cashier’s check or money order, verify it using a phone number you find independently rather than one supplied by the buyer.
If you feel unsafe during an exchange at UHPD, you can use the lobby phone to request an officer. At other locations, familiarize yourself with how to contact law enforcement before meeting.
If there is an immediate threat or emergency, call 911.
While safe exchange zones cannot eliminate every risk, they offer residents an alternative to meeting unfamiliar buyers or sellers at private homes or isolated locations.
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