PEARLAND, Texas — Pearland police said they’ve arrested five suspects in jugging incidents across the city.
Six incidents were reported to the department between October and November, and the department said has arrested and charged the people allegedly involved.
Police believe the suspects stole thousands of dollars from elderly victims.
"What these individuals would do is they set up in the bank parking lots. They’d be backed into these locations and watch for people to go inside and outside the bank," Pearland Police Department Public Information Officer Chad Rogers said.
He said the suspects typically followed the victim to their next destination and robbed them.
On Oct. 30, an incident was reported in the parking lot of Planet Fitness on Pearland Parkway.
"It was very fast. When I turned around, they disappeared,” Ricardo Garcia said.
Garcia, 82, said he went to his bank and then worked out for an hour at the gym before he was targeted. Police said Garcia was walking out of the gym to his car when a suspect got out of a vehicle and hit him over the head multiple times before taking off with the cash.
"I was about two to three weeks in pain. Now, when I walk (to the gym), I’m a little paranoid," Garcia said.
Rogers said a lot of good police work went into finding the five suspects.
"They did a fantastic job of being able to utilize information on the plates that were being used. They were using paper plates or rent cars in this situation," Rogers said.
Five suspects were arrested and indicted on charges of engaging in organized criminal activity by the Brazoria County District Attorney’s Office, according to the police department: 33-year-old Dennerick Crew, of Houston, 19-year-old Damien West, 30-year-old Darise Booker, 31-year-old Howard Glaze and 19-year-old Christopher Eugene, all from Houston.
To minimize the risk of being a victim, police ask that you use caution when carrying cash.
"Anybody can become a victim of this. Before you leave the bank, make sure you put your money away, that way people can’t tell that you have money. Here’s another thing, don’t be complacent when you’re going somewhere," Rogers said.
Garcia said he was relieved to learn the suspects were arrested.
"I believe the Pearland Police Department has done a terrific job by capturing these people," Garcia said.
Police believe the suspects are connected to multiple jugging incidents across the Houston area. If you believe the suspects targeted you, you’re asked to email crimetips@pearlandtx.gov.