The Friendswood Police Department is investigating a series of overnight criminal incidents believed to be connected, including the theft and use of a pickup truck to damage utility infrastructure and the burglary of an ATM at a local bank.
At approximately 4:20 a.m., officers were dispatched to the intersection of Sunset Drive and Sunpark Drive in reference to a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival, officers located a red Dodge pickup truck parked and unoccupied, with the engine running and a heavy-duty chain attached to the rear. A nearby witness reported hearing loud noises and observed a small dark-colored passenger car leaving the area after appearing to pick up individuals from where the truck was located. The vehicle’s owner, a Houston resident, confirmed the truck had been taken from his residence overnight without consent. Officers observed severe damage to the steering column consistent with vehicle theft.
Preliminary investigation indicates the stolen truck traveled along Sunpark Drive, where the attached chain was used to pull down and destroy an AT&T cable connection point. Several residential mailboxes were also damaged along the route. Affected property owners who could be contacted were notified, and officers documented the damage.
Later, at approximately 8:22 a.m., officers responded to a burglary report at Texas First Bank located at 111 W Parkwood Ave. Upon arrival, officers observed the bank’s ATM had been forcibly opened, with components scattered in the surrounding area. All trays containing cash and checks were stolen.
Detectives believe the stolen pickup truck was used in the ATM burglary prior to being abandoned in the Sunpark neighborhood. The heavy-duty chain attached to the truck is consistent with methods commonly used to forcibly open ATM machines.
Investigators are actively canvassing nearby businesses and residences for surveillance footage.
At this time, the investigation remains active. Anyone who observed suspicious activity, has surveillance footage from the areas of Sunpark Drive, Sunset Drive, or West Parkwood Avenue between approximately 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., or has any information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Friendswood Police Department at 281-996-3300.
