In Houston, Texas, the FBI is on the lookout for three young individuals suspected of a bank robbery in the Greenspoint district. These suspects have been humorously dubbed “little rascals” on various social media platforms.
The incident unfolded on a Thursday at the Wells Fargo bank situated at 10261 North Freeway. According to witnesses, the suspects are believed to be teenagers, ranging in age from 14 to 18. They were seen leaving the scene on foot.
In an effort to gather more information, the FBI in Houston has shared images of the suspects online. They are urging anyone who might recognize these young individuals to get in touch with Crime Stoppers by dialing 713-222-TIPS.
This bank robbery is part of a worrying trend observed by the juvenile division of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, as reported by ABC13. The officials have expressed their concerns regarding the increasing instances of crimes committed by teenagers.
Despite a general decrease in homicides within the county, there has been a significant 76% rise in homicides committed by juveniles since 2021. “The numbers are clear. We are witnessing a surge in particularly violent crimes,” stated Allen Otto, Chief of the 314th District Court at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
Otto highlighted a disturbing trend where older teenagers or young adults exploit younger children for criminal activities, knowing well that the legal repercussions for juveniles are less severe than for adults.
Recent county data reveals a stark increase in felony assaults, with figures doubling from January 2023 to January 2024. The District Attorney’s Office is actively working to have minors tried as adults, especially in cases involving violent crimes or those with a high risk of re-offense.
“The decision ultimately lies with a judge on whether a juvenile case is moved to adult court,” Otto explained. Despite the alarming statistics on juvenile violent crime, Otto mentioned that the county has seen success with diversionary programs aimed at teenagers in recent years. The effectiveness of these programs is currently under review, focusing on their impact on recidivism rates.