Pflugerville PD Seeks Man Accused Of Stealing From Elderly Victim

PFLUGERVILLE, TEXAS — Police seek the public's help in identifying a suspect accused of stealing more than $1,000 from an elderly man who had just withdrawn the cash from an automated teller machine.

The incident dates to Dec. 12, 2018, when the victim in his 60s told police he withdrew money from a Bank of American bank branch at 1544 FM 685 before putting the cash inside his vehicle. After the victim reentered the bank, the suspect is said to have smashed the driver's side window of the man's car before stealing the withdrawn funds.

The suspect is described as a young, black man in his 20s with a thin beard and mustache. Police issued a surveillance camera images of the suspect in the hopes someone might recognize him and alert police as to his whereabouts.

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The incident illustrates a rising trend in a crime of opportunity known in police parlance as "jugging" when thieves target people using ATMs. At times, suspects will follow victims to their destinations after withdrawing their cash and rob them then, police reminded. It's a growing, nefarious trend, and police offered tips to avoid being victimized:

• Be mindful of your surroundings and of suspicious people when at banks or ATM machines.
• Do not leave valuables in vehicles, including cash.
• If making a cash withdrawal, secure the cash in a wallet or purse prior to exiting the bank or store.
• Do not count cash openly in public areas.
• If you encounter someone suspicious, reenter the bank or store and call the police.

Anyone with information about the suspect should call the Criminal Investigation Division Tip Line at 512-990-6731 or email cidtips@pflugervilletx.gov. Visit the WhoDunIt page at https://www.pflugervilletx.gov/city-government/police-department/whodunit for other photos of suspects in need of identification.

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>>> Images provided by Pflugerville Police Department