09/04/2026
Aggravated Robbery
On September 3, 2026, at approximately 10:15am, officers with the New Braunfels Police Department were called to the 2200 block of Meadow Way for a report of an aggravated robbery. The adult female victim reported that she had just returned home from the bank and, while exiting her vehicle, she was assaulted by an unknown male in an effort to steal her purse. The suspect and an accomplice fled the scene in a greenish-yellow Chevrolet Trax. Responding officers were able to utilize the department’s License Plate Reader system to help identify the vehicle, which was located a short time later turning onto the I-35 access road from North Kowald Lane. A traffic stop was attempted and the vehicle came to a stop at a gas station located at Loop 337 and Bus. 35 where both occupants attempted to flee on foot. One of the suspects was caught by officers immediately, while the other ran into a nearby wooded area. K-9 and Drone units, with the assistance of the Comal County Sheriff’s Office, arrived, located the suspect, and he was taken into custody without further incident. 22-year old Mekhi McKinstry of Richmond, TX, and 20-year old Christian Woods of Houston, TX, were both transported to the Comal County Jail and charged with Aggravated Robbery and Evading Arrest or Detention. The victim’s injuries were determined to be non-life threatening and she did not require hospital transport. This case remains under investigation and additional charges may be pending.
This incident highlights a growing criminal trend seen across the country known as “Bank Jugging.” These cases often involve suspects who watch for people withdrawing money from a bank or ATM and then follow them to later steal that money, either by burglarizing the vehicle or forcibly taking the money directly from the victim. The New Braunfels Police Department reminds all residents to NEVER leave cash (especially large sums of cash) in your vehicle. Additionally, it is ALWAYS a good practice to be aware of your surroundings, especially when withdrawing money from the bank, and if you notice anything suspicious you should contact your local law enforcement agency.
And as always, NBPD encourages the LOCK, TAKE, and HIDE method to avoid becoming a victim of vehicle burglary. So be sure to LOCK your car doors, TAKE valuables inside with you, or at least HIDE them from plain view. To learn more, visit www.newbraunfels.gov/crimeprevention.
