Alert police officer nabs theft suspect at hospital

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A Houston police officer working an extra job as security at a west Houston hospital thought something wasn't right after a man got out of a car to seek medical treatment.

HPD Officer Robert Tagle was working at Texas Children's Hospital on the Katy Freeway when he noticed the car that dropped the man off had no front license plate and the lights were turned off. Officer Tagle thought it was suspicious because that's consistent with how car burglars had operated in parking lots.

According to court documents the officer approached the car and smelled marijuana. The driver of the car said his friend was in the hospital getting treatment.

The officer searched the car and, according to a court affidavit, found a bag with six watches, 16 necklaces, 41 bracelets and other items, including a debit card. Police say the driver of the car said the bag belonged to his friend in the hospital.

Police say the debit card was traced to a woman who said her home had been burglarized on October 1.

The man who had gone into the hospital was identified as Anthony Markus Coleman, 31. Coleman was charged with felony theft and is being held in the Harris County Jail with no bond. Charges may be filed against the driver of the car.

Take ABC13 with you!
Download our free apps for iPhone, iPad and Android devices

Get more Local »

local

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•