HOUSTON – Two men were arrested Tuesday afternoon in north Houston after police said they followed a man who had just withdrawn money.
The arrests happened about 12:40 p.m. at the intersection of Aldine Westfield and Little York roads.
According to Houston police, Alton Brown and Juan Diaz followed the victim after he withdrew money from a bank and then drove to a nearby a mechanic shop. They pretended to be customers of the mechanic while the victim was there.
The pair then followed the victim from the mechanic shop to an auto parts store, police said. When the victim went inside the store, Brown and Diaz broke into the victim’s car and tried to steal his cash.
"Just so happens, officers with the Northeast Tactical Unit were in the area and saw the burglary as it happened," Lt. J.R. Chase with HPD said.
Brown, who was wearing a t-shirt that read, "I just wanna get the money," was arrested along with Diaz.
He was charged with possession of oxycodone and burglary of a motor vehicle.
Diaz was charged with burglary of a motor vehicle.
Police said they found an array of items used to break into cars, including a slingshot and spark plugs.
"There's a certain way they can use those to break windows. Fairly unique," Chase said.
Police said Brown was out of jail on bond in connection with a different auto burglary.
"I didn't do nothing this time," Brown told KPRC 2.
Diaz was out of jail on five bonds in connection with possession of controlled substance charges, police said.
Police remind citiznes to be alert and aware of surroundings after going to the bank, and make a mental note of any vehicles that may be following.
Anyone who thinks they're being followed after leaving a bank is asked to call 9-1-1 and drive to the nearest police station.