What was supposed to be a routine stop at the bank almost turned into something much worse. How this Houston man avoided becoming a jugging victim.
HOUSTON — It was supposed to be a quick stop at the bank. Instead, one Houston family said it turned into a terrifying close call.
“They could’ve took his life over $200,” said a woman who asked not to be identified for safety reasons.
She said her son-in-law was targeted after making a withdrawal at an ATM at a Bank of America branch on Houston’s south side on May 5.
“It’s just scary all the way around,” she said.
What he didn’t know during the 5.5-mile drive home was that he was being followed. Not by one car — but two.
Security cameras at the family’s home captured what happened next.
“He was like, ‘I just got home — like, literally,’” she recalled.
Within seconds of him stepping inside, a video showed the two vehicles pull up, one even pulling into the driveway.
The video then shows one driver acting as a lookout while another smashes the passenger window of the car, hoping to find cash. But they left empty-handed.
“He was frustrated about it, but I mean, a window can be replaced. Even the money could be replaced. His life, it can’t be replaced,” she said.
Thankfully, her son-in-law had taken the money inside. The mother shared her story online, and the response was overwhelming.
Dozens of people chimed in with similar stories. Some even claimed they were targeted after visiting the same bank.
Now, she’s sharing her story to warn others — and to ask: What are banks doing to stop this?
Nichole Christoff with Houston Crime Stoppers said banks can take a more active role in protecting customers.
“There are steps that banks themselves can do to help protect their customers,” Christoff said. “And the first is by having good surveillance cameras inside and outside of the bank to capture people’s comings and goings and potentially spot suspicious behavior — and also be good evidence.”
KHOU 11 reached out to the bank in question and will update this story when we receive a response.
As for this family, they’re just thankful it wasn’t worse.
“He’s still here. That’s all that matters.”