They had just stepped out with hope and excitement — not for themselves, but for their son. A Pasadena couple was robbed of $9,000 in broad daylight moments after they withdrew the money to buy their son his first car. What was supposed to be a day of celebration turned into a frightening and heartbreaking experience, and the couple is now speaking out, hoping their story serves as a warning to others.
The incident took place last week, shortly after the couple withdrew the large amount of cash from a local bank. Their plan was simple: buy a used car for their teenage son. They wanted to pay in cash, thinking it would make the purchase smoother and quicker. But the thieves were one step ahead.
The man, who didn’t want his full name revealed, explained that he had just parked the car in their driveway after returning from the bank. His wife was inside the house when two unknown suspects approached him. One of them was armed. Within seconds, the suspects ordered him to hand over the envelope full of cash. The man didn’t resist. He feared for his life and did what the robbers asked. The entire confrontation lasted less than a minute.
The suspects took the money and ran. They didn’t take his wallet or phone, just the envelope. That’s what convinced the couple they had been followed from the bank. The woman said they had felt safe, as they weren’t far from home and had gone straight from the bank to their house. But now, they’re rethinking everything.
Security footage from nearby homes is being reviewed, and Pasadena police are actively investigating the case. So far, no arrests have been made, and the suspects remain unidentified. The police believe this might be part of a larger trend where thieves “bank-watch” — targeting individuals who withdraw large amounts of money and following them home.
This form of crime is not new, but it’s becoming more sophisticated. Criminals often wait in or around bank parking lots, watching for people carrying envelopes or large withdrawals. Once they identify a target, they follow them discreetly. Victims often don’t even realize they’re being watched.
For this Pasadena couple, the incident has left emotional scars. “We worked hard for that money,” the woman said. “It wasn’t just about buying a car. It was about giving something meaningful to our son. Now he’s scared too.”
The couple’s son, who had been excited about the car, is now more concerned about his parents’ safety. “I just wanted a car,” he said quietly. “Now I feel guilty that they went through all this for me.”
Local police are urging residents to avoid withdrawing large sums in cash unless absolutely necessary. If someone must carry cash, they recommend going directly to the purchase location and avoiding stops in between. They also advise being extra aware of your surroundings when leaving a bank.
In addition, banks are also being reminded to stay alert and watch for suspicious individuals lingering in or around their premises. Some banks already have undercover security measures in place, but in many cases, there’s little they can do once the customer walks out.
While the money is gone, the couple is thankful that no one was physically harmed. “Money can be replaced,” the man said. “Lives can’t. That’s what we keep reminding ourselves.”
But replacing $9,000 isn’t easy. The couple had been saving for months, cutting down expenses, working extra hours. Now, they’re back to square one, and their trust in everyday safety has been shaken.
“We just hope our story helps someone else avoid the same fate,” the woman added. “Don’t assume you’re safe just because it’s daytime. And never think it can’t happen to you — because it can.”
Pasadena police are asking anyone with information to come forward. They’ve also reminded residents to report any suspicious activity they notice around banks or their neighborhoods. Anyone who may have security footage from the area around the time of the robbery is encouraged to share it with investigators.
As the search for the suspects continues, the couple is slowly picking up the pieces — emotionally, mentally, and financially. For now, they’re staying cautious, watching every shadow a little more closely, and hoping that justice, one day, will be served.
Jon King is an experienced journalist with 3 years of experience in the field. With a strong background in investigative reporting, Jon is known for his in-depth coverage of crime news, finance news, local news, and USA news. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Jon brings his sharp investigative skills, where he provides timely updates and analysis on a wide range of topics. His commitment to delivering accurate and impactful news has earned him a reputation for providing insightful and comprehensive stories that resonate with his audience.
