SAN ANTONIO — Two people are dead after an attempt to rob an ATM visitor on the south side resulted in gunfire, according to San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) officials.
Police Chief William McManus said an unidentified man was withdrawing money from a drive-thru ATM along the 2100 block of SW Military Drive when the two would-be criminals tried to rob him. That's when the would-be robbery victim pulled out a gun and shot the two unidentified men, the chief said.
Investigators did not say if the suspects were armed.
“This is a trend throughout the country right now,” McManus said, referring to criminals targeting individuals at ATMs. “We believe at this point – again, this could change – that this was a jugging incident.”
Jugging occurs when thieves target people at businesses or banks. After a person makes a purchase or withdraws money, they are followed by criminals who wait for an opportune time to swoop in and steal.
The south-side bank reopened a few hours after the shooting. A curious customer noticed the soapy water and police tape on the ground and asked our KENS 5 crew what happened. She was shocked to learn about the alleged deadly robbery.
The customer asked us not to release her name, fearing she could be targeted.
“It’s crazy, it’s scary,” she said. “I’ve been a customer at this bank for 20 years, I come all the time. It’s getting really scary. We are not safe to go to our own banks.”
The shooter and suspects were all in their 20s, according to police. The medical examiner later identified the two men who died as Terrance Stevens and Mark Brooks III.
On Friday evening, an SAPD spokesperson said the department "always encourages citizens to be mindful of their surroundings."
“Pay attention to what is happening around you and, if possible, walk in pairs," the statement continues. "If citizens see any suspicious activity, they may call the SAPD non-emergency number at 210-207-7273.”
SAPD also released statistics showing that, from January to May of 2022, officers responded to 704 robberies in the Alamo City. The trend has remained mostly the same year over year: Officers responded to 710 robbery incidents around town in the same window in 2023.
McManus said investigators are interviewing the victim who fired at the two suspects. It remains unknown if he will be charged or not, as police must first determine if he was acting out of self-defense.
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