GLENDALE, Ariz. — It started as a burglary, then quickly turned into a high-speed chase and crash. All of it centered around $50,000 in cold hard cash.
Glendale Police said the two men responsible are now behind bars facing burglary and theft charges. Jose Santiago, with the department, said it happened last week when a man who hadn't been named went to the bank and pulled $50,000 to buy a truck. All while being watched by the two suspects.
“They saw how much money he had on him, and they then started following him as he left the bank,” Santiago said.
With cash in hand, the victim drove to a neighborhood near 83rd and Northern avenues to meet with the seller. Not realizing a car was following him, the victim got out of his vehicle with the money still inside. That's when home security footage shows the moment one suspect goes to the car, grabs the bag filled with money then runs back to his car before taking off.
Body camera footage between police and the victim reveals he didn't even realize what happened until the seller pointed it out. The victim then got in his car and sped after the suspects. Santiago said both traveled at a high rate of speed on surface streets before the suspect ran through a red light at Olive and 67th avenues, hitting a trailer in the intersection.
From there, both suspects got out of the car and ran in opposite directions. One is seen on video grabbing a bag from the back of his car before running.
The victim was right after him and eventually caught up to him. Both suspects were arrested. Police have identified them as Raymond Pouncy and Reginald Chatman. Court documents reveal they both live in Texas and have previous criminal convictions.
As for the money, police said most of it was still in the suspects' car with some of the bills out on the road.
"There’s money all over the street," one witness said to police.
Santiago said thankfully no one was seriously injured but added there are ways to protect yourself.
“When you're in a situation where you're at either an ATM or in a bank or you're withdrawing money, be aware of people around you," he said. "If you don't feel safe, maybe go back into your car and wait until those individuals leave before withdrawing a large amount of money. You really want to take matters into your own hands to protect yourself and make sure that you're doing everything that you can to not be a victim."
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