5 suspects allegedly part of organized jugging ring around Houston, Pearland in custody, police say
PEARLAND, Texas (KTRK) -- At least five individuals accused of being involved in organized criminal activity involving jugging across the Pearland area are in custody, according to police.
The suspects were identified as 33-year-old Dennerick Crew, 19-year-old Damien West, 29-year-old Darise Booker, 31-year-old Howard Glaze, and 19-year-old Christopher Eugene. All are from the Houston area.
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Pearland police said that the five suspects are believed to have been involved in numerous jugging incidents across Houston. "Jugging" is a term police use for crimes in which the victims are followed from a bank or store and then robbed or burglarized.
The victims of these crimes were all older than 65.
"I am 82. That's what they pick. They pick the older people because we are the easy target for them," Ricardo Garcia told ABC13.
Police believe he was followed from the bank to the gym after withdrawing $400. The crooks then waited for him to leave the gym and attacked him at his car.
Most of the crime was caught on camera.
"I was hit. I had no idea if it was a punch. They hit me hard," he said.
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According to the police, officers responded to six reported juggings within the city limits between October 2023 and November 2023. The total loss was about $15,000, according to Officer Chad Rogers.
"Having a plan for when you leave or just being aware," Rogers offered as advice. He also warned against carrying a bank envelope or cash in plain sight.
Garcia said he learned a hard lesson.
"Look around. Be aware of your surroundings. That's what I do now. I look around everywhere," Garcia said.
If you believe the suspects may have targeted you or they may have been involved in other crimes, you are urged to contact the Pearland Police Department at crimetips@pearlandtx.gov.
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