Pearland authorities have apprehended two individuals in connection with a recent jugging incident involving a woman who was followed from a Houston-area bank to a restaurant in Pearland. The suspects, identified as Charles Randle and Crystal Lewis, are believed to be part of a larger group responsible for similar crimes throughout the Houston region.
The victim recounted her experience, explaining that she made a deposit at the bank on Wednesday, October 14, during which she noticed a woman acting suspiciously. “She’s not going to the customer service, she’s not going into the window, she’s not making a withdrawal,” the victim remarked. At that moment, she did not suspect that the woman would follow her after she left the bank.
According to Pearland police, the suspects trailed the victim to her home and later to a restaurant, where they broke into her vehicle while she was inside having lunch. The victim was alerted by another diner who had witnessed the break-in. “I rushed outside, and then they had already broken the passenger window,” she described, noting that the suspects stole her passport before escaping as onlookers called for help. She estimated the entire incident lasted less than a minute.
Following the incident, witnesses provided police with a description of the suspects’ vehicle, a gray Nissan Pathfinder. A Flock license plate reader camera captured the SUV near Baybrook Mall shortly after the break-in. Investigators found that the suspects had attempted to evade capture by switching license plates. The vehicle was later located at another bank on Edgebrook Drive in Houston, where detectives observed the suspects following yet another potential victim.
Detectives witnessed one of the suspects exit the vehicle and attempt to break into another truck, which led to the arrest of Randle and Lewis. Both individuals face charges of jugging and burglary of a motor vehicle, classified as a third-degree felony. Their bonds have been set at $15,000 in Harris County and $200,000 in Brazoria County.
Pearland Police Public Information Officer Chad Rogers emphasized the importance of license plate readers in swiftly capturing the suspects, suggesting that they might not have been caught otherwise. Court records indicate that Randle has a prior criminal history involving theft, vehicle burglary, and organized criminal activity.
Authorities suspect that Randle and Lewis are linked to a broader network involved in similar crimes in both Houston and Pearland. Police have noted a rise in jugging incidents and encourage individuals to remain vigilant, especially when visiting banks. They advise reporting any suspicious activity and being alert to vehicles that seem to follow them.
If someone suspects they are being followed, Rogers recommends notifying law enforcement immediately or driving directly to a police station for safety.
