On August 22, 2024, deputies from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, part of The Woodlands Patrol Division, responded to a report of a suspicious individual at The Woodlands Mall. They were informed that the suspect was engaging in a “Quick Change” scam, a sleight-of-hand trick designed to trick cashiers into giving back more change than they should.
Upon locating the suspect in the mall, deputies pursued him as he attempted to flee. After a brief foot chase, they successfully apprehended him.
The investigation led to a search of his vehicle, revealing merchandise and over $18,000 in cash linked to various thefts at multiple stores.
Detectives from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office joined in to assist with the investigation. The suspect was identified as 26-year-old Ion Szep. Further inquiries revealed that Szep had multiple felony warrants from across the United States. He was arrested for theft and the outstanding warrants and is currently being held at the Montgomery County Jail.
Sheriff Henderson remarked, “This arrest is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our deputies and detectives. Their swift response and thorough investigation led to the apprehension of a suspect with a history of criminal activity across the country.”