Investigators believe the two cases, both involving a white Toyota 4Runner, may be connected.
HOUSTON — The Houston Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying suspects involved in two aggravated robbery cases. Investigators believe the two cases may be connected.
The first incident happened on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, around 11:20 a.m. According to HPD, a man parked at a car wash bay at Rouse Street and Lyons Avenue in Houston when he saw a white Toyota 4Runner park near his vehicle. An unknown man got out of the 4Runner and into the victim’s truck, where he began searching the center console.
As the victim confronted him, the suspect showed a gun in his waistband and ran away on foot. He then got back into the white SUV and left the area.
Police noted that the victim had just withdrawn money from a nearby Wells Fargo Bank and believed he was followed by the suspects.
The day before, on Monday, April 28, 2025, around 12:05 p.m. another robbery happened on Telephone Road just north of the South Loop. Police say the victim parked his car at a gas pump and went inside when a white 4Runner and a Chrysler 300 parked next to his car. Two men got out and broke into the car by breaking the windows. They removed a cash envelope from the center console.
Police noted that just before the incident, the victim had withdrawn money from a nearby Chase Bank and believed the suspects followed him from there.
“It’s not bold. It’s also brazen. and it’s also you don’t have any fear factor in our criminal justice system,” said Andy Kahan with Crime Stoppers. “Leaving an envelope stuffed with cash or even in a glove compartment. Nothing is safe. and at least one of these instances, it appears incidences it appears that’s exactly what happened.”
Kahan said a recently passed law could be part of the solution to cracking down on these crimes that police call “jugging.”
“We actually passed a new law this legislative session and it’s called House Bill 1902 and it actually defines an offense called jugging. But it will now stand out as itself,” he said.
Kahan said Crime Stoppers helped advocate for the new law, which goes into effect September 1st.
He also said it won’t just apply to those who follow victims home from the bank, but also cases where criminals follow their victims from other locations, like a store or business.
“No longer will you be charged in these particular cases for theft or robbery. You’re going to be charged with the offense of jugging and that’s gonna pack a more powerful impact, hopefully on the courts,” Kahan said.
The suspect is described as a man wearing a navy or black hoodie, black pants and white and black shoes.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers of Houston directly. Tips leading to felony charges or arrests may result in a cash reward up to $5,000.
To remain anonymous and qualify for a reward, you must contact Crime Stoppers directly by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitting an online tip at www.crime-stoppers.org or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app.