Deputies from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, assigned to The Woodlands Patrol Division, responded to a report of a suspicious individual at The Woodlands Mall. The suspect was reported to be involved in a “Quick Change” scam, a deceptive sleight-of-hand trick aimed at confusing cashiers into accepting less money than the total purchase amount.
Upon spotting the suspect inside the mall, deputies attempted to approach him, but he fled the scene. After a brief foot chase, the deputies successfully apprehended the suspect.
A subsequent search of the suspect’s vehicle revealed a significant amount of stolen merchandise and over $18,000 in cash, all linked to various thefts from multiple stores.
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Detectives arrived to assist with the investigation. The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Ion Szep, was found to have multiple felony warrants across the United States. Szep was arrested on charges of theft and for the outstanding felony warrants. He is currently being held at the Montgomery County Jail.
“This arrest is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our Deputies and Detectives,” said Sheriff Henderson. “Their swift response and thorough investigation led to the apprehension of a suspect with a history of criminal activity across the country.”