Multi-Jurisdictional Operation Stops Bank Jugging Suspects

TOMBALL, TX -- On May 22, 2026, deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, in a coordinated effort with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations, successfully intercepted and arrested two individuals engaged in a proactive bank jugging scheme. Bank jugging refers to a tactic where criminals watch unsuspecting customers at financial institutions, follow them to their next destination, and break into their vehicles to steal the cash they just withdrew.

During a targeted proactive operation, undercover units spotted a suspicious vehicle loitering near a financial institution near the 1400 block of Graham Rd in Tomball, TX. Law enforcement witnessed the suspects target a bank patron, following them from the premises to a secondary parking location. Upon arriving at the second location, the suspects exited their vehicle and made two separate, unsuccessful attempts to break into the victim’s vehicle.

After failing to obtain entry into the vehicle, the suspects returned to the original financial institution where law enforcement units moved in quickly, stopping the vehicle and taking both individuals into custody without incident. Both suspects, identified as 37-year-old Jarvus Polk and 38-year-old Erica Smith, were arrested and transported to the Harris County Jail where they were charged with Bank Jugging, a State Jail Felony. Due to the proactive vigilance and seamless coordination between the participating agencies, no civilian property was compromised or lost.

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office reminds residents to remain vigilant when conducting financial transactions by staying conscious of their surroundings when entering or leaving a bank. Additionally, community members should never leave large amounts of cash unattended in a vehicle, and if anyone suspects they are being followed, call 911 immediately.

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