Austin Residents on High Alert After Felony Theft Arrests
AUSTIN — In a startling reminder of the need for vigilance, two young men were arrested last Friday in connection with a felony theft case that left many folks in North Austin a bit shaken. The Austin Police Department jumped into action following a reported incident of what’s known as “jugging”—a contemporary form of robbery getting locals buzzing.
The suspects, identified as 25-year-old Brandon Lee Wright and 19-year-old Marquise Keyon Collins, were apprehended after police witnessed a suspicious interaction at a nearby bank. Officers had been conducting specific operations aimed at tracking down suspects involved in this brazen style of theft when they spotted the suspects’ vehicle—a Toyota pickup truck.
What Exactly is Jugging?
You might be asking, “What is jugging?”, and you’re not alone. It’s a term that’s been popping up as this type of crime makes headlines. Basically, jugging occurs when a suspect follows a victim from a financial institution—like a bank or ATM—to another location, with the intent to commit theft. Once they’ve located their target, they might threaten or even assault the victim to snatch away their cash.
According to the police report, around 11 a.m. that day, the officers keeping an eye on the bank’s activity noticed the Toyota pickup following a vehicle that appeared to be a potential victim. Moments later, both vehicles entered the parking lot of a business on 11300 North Lamar Boulevard.
Quick Thinking by the Police
As the potential victim exited their vehicle to assist a coworker, one of the suspects wasted no time. Quickly, he jumped into the victim’s vehicle, rummaged through it, and snagged an envelope that was left out in plain view. The suspects made their getaway but not before the attentive officers initiated a timely traffic stop.
When police approached the vehicle, they discovered an envelope containing a whopping $8,000 in cash—along with the victim’s credit card and identification. Talk about a lucky break for law enforcement and a not-so-lucky day for the would-be thieves!
Community Response
The money was promptly returned to the victim, but the incident served as a wake-up call for many in the community, especially with the holiday season in full swing. The APD took this opportunity to remind everyone to stay aware and cautious when withdrawing or carrying around large sums of money, saying, “It is essential not to leave significant amounts of cash in unattended vehicles or to carry large amounts around.”
The police also sent a clear message to potential criminals eyeing Austin: “APD will not tolerate individuals preying on our citizens, especially during the holidays.” Let’s just say the department is set to keep an eye out for those looking to commit similar crimes, ensuring they’re promptly arrested and prosecuted if necessary.
What You Can Do
As the holidays approach and people may be more inclined to carry cash (to avoid credit card debt!), it’s important to stay vigilant. Consider keeping your cash closer and choosing safer methods when handling your finances. And remember: if something seems fishy, don’t hesitate to report it!
While it’s easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit, being aware of your surroundings can make all the difference. Let’s keep Austin a great place to live and celebrate this season with joy and safety!
