Houston-area crime: Nearly two dozen jugging suspects arrested in joint operation, officials say
Houston-area crime: 21 jugging suspects arrested in joint operation
Nearly two dozen people were reportedly arrested following a joint operation between Montgomery and Harris County agencies.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas - Nearly two dozen people were reportedly arrested following a joint operation between Montgomery and Harris County agencies.
Houston-area bank jugging: 20+ suspects arrested
What we know:
In a press conference on Thursday, authorities said that 21 people were arrested for their involvement in bank jugging crews.
The operation involved the sheriff's offices of Harris and Montgomery counties, the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office, Houston Police, The Woodlands Township, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The operation went after suspects who allegedly targeted other people who had just taken out a large amount of cash from a bank. Bank jugging suspects follow those people to their next location, then the suspects either rob the person directly or take the money from the person's car.
Officials shared three surveillance videos showing suspects being surrounded by authorities while allegedly trying to take money out of people's cars.
VIDEO: Bank jugging suspects caught
Montgomery and Harris County authorities reported 21 arrests following an operation targeting jugging crews. Montgomery County authorities shared videos of suspects getting caught while stealing from people's cars.
Officials listed arrests of the following suspects:
- Rashad Terrell
- Richmond Teal
- Darius Caldwell
- Trenton Harris
- Michael Simon
- Jaime Ibarra Jr.
- Chikei Williams
- Leroy Sattiewhite
- Calvin Denfield
- Aaron Newsome
- Lee Taylor
- Javonte Yancy
- Demetrius Brooks
- Tommy Thompson
- Fredrick Pierson
- Carlos Rusi
- Jarvis Ray Butler
- Christopher Freeman
- Darius Shelton
- Chauncey Camel-Seymour
- Ronnie Caldwell
According to authorities, many of the suspects are confirmed gang members and/or were out on bond, parole, or probation. One of them allegedly had on an ankle monitor when they were arrested.
What we don't know:
There is no information available on where the alleged jugging incidents happened or what bank the victims were being followed from.
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How to avoid being targeted
What you can do:
In addition to the arrests, law enforcement also shared advice on how to prevent being targeted in a bank jugging.
- Look out forOccupied vehicles that are backed into parking spacesVehicles switching parking spotsVehicles with multiple people insideIndividuals standing around inside banks
- Occupied vehicles that are backed into parking spaces
- Vehicles switching parking spots
- Vehicles with multiple people inside
- Individuals standing around inside banks
- Don't create routines out of depositing or withdrawing money
- Hide bank bags or envelopes when entering or exiting a bank
- Don't leave cash in your vehicle
- Lock your vehicle doors
- If you're being followed, call 911. Stay on the phone while you drive, and follow instructions while moving to a spot where police can meet you
- Note any details about any suspects or suspect vehicles
The Source: Information in this report comes from the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.