DALLAS, TX – A Mesquite small business owner experienced a harrowing ordeal after withdrawing cash from a bank for business expenses, only to have the money stolen from his vehicle in what appears to be a case of “jugging.” Chris Robles, who owns a gym, found himself the target of this emerging crime trend, which involves criminals following individuals from financial institutions to rob them.
On Friday, Robles visited a Chase Bank in Pleasant Grove to withdraw $5,000 for new workout equipment. Unbeknownst to him, he was allegedly being followed. The situation took a frightening turn when he stopped to pick up a U-Haul at a location near the Dallas Police Department’s Southeast Patrol Division. While he was inside, his 15-year-old daughter, who had remained in the vehicle, witnessed the theft unfold.
The young girl quickly alerted her father with a phone call, shouting that someone was in the car. Rushing back, Robles found his daughter distressed but unharmed. She managed to snap a photo of the suspect’s vehicle, a gray Honda sedan, which she provided to Dallas police.
The suspect, described as a man in his late teens or early twenties wearing a black ski mask, had taken the cash from the center console. Dallas authorities are actively investigating the incident and searching for the suspect or suspects involved.
This type of robbery, known as “jugging,” has been gaining attention in Texas. A new state law, House Bill 1902, which took effect on September 1, specifically targets this crime. Under the legislation, jugging is classified as its own offense, potentially leading to harsher penalties if the crime escalates.
Despite the setback, Robles remains focused on his gym, Grind Fitness, and the safety of his family. “Money comes and goes, but you know you can’t replace a person,” he reflected, grateful that his daughter was unharmed.
Dallas investigators have collected fingerprints from Robles’ vehicle and are reviewing security footage from nearby cameras in hopes of identifying the suspect’s license plate. Robles noted that he had tried to be cautious by withdrawing money directly from a teller rather than an ATM, but he still feels he was targeted.