Two men from the Houston area are facing felony charges following a “bank jugging” robbery that occurred on Thursday morning in New Braunfels, culminating in a foot chase.
The incident took place around 10:15 a.m. in the 2200 block of Meadow Way. According to police, an adult female victim reported being assaulted in her driveway shortly after returning from a bank visit. An unidentified male attempted to snatch her purse before fleeing in a greenish-yellow Chevrolet Trax driven by an accomplice.
Officers from the New Braunfels Police Department quickly responded and utilized an automated license plate reader system to locate the suspect vehicle. They spotted it shortly thereafter as it turned onto the Interstate 35 access road from North Kowald Lane.
When police initiated a traffic stop, the vehicle pulled into a gas station at Loop 337 and Business 35, prompting both occupants to flee on foot. One suspect was apprehended immediately at the scene, while the second suspect fled into a nearby wooded area. Following a coordinated search involving K-9 units, drones, and assistance from the Comal County Sheriff’s Office, the second suspect was also taken into custody without further incident.
The suspects were identified as 22-year-old Mekhi McKinstry from Richmond, Texas, and 20-year-old Christian Woods from Houston. Both were booked into the Comal County Jail on charges of aggravated robbery and evading arrest or detention. Fortunately, the victim did not require hospitalization for her non-life-threatening injuries.
Law enforcement officials have noted that this incident aligns with a growing trend known as “bank jugging,” where criminals monitor individuals leaving banks or ATMs, track them to secondary locations, and then commit robberies or vehicle burglaries. The investigation is still active, and authorities have indicated that additional charges may be forthcoming.
