Authorities searching for suspect in "bank jugging" crime

MONTGOMERY COUNTY (KTRK) -- Montgomery County authorities are warning residents about a dangerous crime trend hitting those who go to banks in our area.

Henry Wilson, 21, is on the run and his alleged partner in crime, Patrick English, is already behind bars.

"He is a dangerous individual and my review of their priors indicate that Wilson and English should've been arrested together on no fewer than four occasions," explained Assistant District Attorney Rob Freyer.

It's called "jugging" - a word criminals use for waiting outside a bank of ATM until somebody leaves with money, then following them until it's safe to steal.

Just ask Mike G. about it. He's a businessman who travels a lot and carries cash with him.

"I left my guard down. That doesn't happen anymore," he said.

Authorities allege that Wilson and English followed Mike after he walked out with cash from a Chase bank. When Mike went inside a nearby Chik-fil-A restaurant to order food, investigators believe they broke into his vehicle and took the cash he had gotten from the bank. Authorities believe Wilson and English profiled Mike.

"Somebody who may be in the bank for an extended amount of time," Freyer said. "Somebody who may be well-dressed and may drive a nice car. Somebody who has a look of somebody who might be in possession of a large sum of money."

Lt. Melvin Franklin with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office says to always check to see if anybody is following your move.

"When they come out of any merchant or store, they need to see if anybody is following them," explained Franklin. "When they're driving, look and see if they see anybody changing lanes when they change lanes. Taking care of yourself is the number one."