Violent ATM robbery near Houston’s Hobby Airport has police chasing a suspect who accidentally left behind a key piece of evidence—his own bond paperwork. This surprising slip-up has helped authorities identify 23-year-old Seth Body-Coles, but he remains at large as the investigation continues.
On May 28, surveillance footage captured a tense moment at an ATM when a technician, simply trying to do his job, was violently attacked and robbed. The video shows the suspect wrestling with the victim before making off with a container filled with cash. Houston police quickly sprang into action after the incident, recovering some of the stolen money and the suspect’s getaway car in a nearby neighborhood. This area was also the location of additional surveillance footage that helped paint a clearer picture of what happened.
The break in the case came when officers found clothing abandoned by one of the suspects. Inside the clothing, they discovered paperwork related to bond conditions. This unexpected clue led them straight to Body-Coles, a man with a criminal record and a recent history with law enforcement.
Andy Kahan, a representative from Crime-Stoppers of Houston, expressed his surprise at how the suspect’s carelessness helped police. “I’ve been around a long time, but I’ve never seen a suspect leave bond conditions,” Kahan said. “Thank you, mister suspect, because maybe, you know, if you hadn’t left your bond conditions, we might not have known who you are.”
According to court records, Body-Coles had been released on a $20,000 bond just days before the ATM robbery. The bond was related to a previous charge of felony possession of a firearm. Now, he faces new charges of robbery with bodily injury related to the violent attack on the ATM technician. Despite efforts by law enforcement, Body-Coles has not been captured and remains a fugitive.
Caught on camera: ATM technician ambushed and robbed while on the job. Houston Police say they identified the suspect (who remains at large) after he left his bond condition paperwork in ditched clothing. I’ll have new details and reaction on @KHOU at 5:00 #khou11 pic.twitter.com/8cWuONCg2w
— Jason Miles (@JMilesKHOU) June 6, 2025
Body-Coles’s criminal past also includes time served for evading arrest, adding to concerns about his potential danger to the community. Fortunately, the ATM technician was not seriously hurt during the robbery, but the violent nature of the attack has heightened awareness around ATM safety in the area.
Authorities are urging anyone who uses ATMs, especially during evening hours, to remain extra cautious. Being aware of your surroundings and avoiding isolated machines when possible can help reduce the risk of becoming a target for criminals like Body-Coles.
As Houston police continue their search for the suspect, this case serves as a reminder that even small mistakes made by criminals can lead to their identification. But it also highlights the ongoing risks faced by everyday people trying to go about their business in public spaces.
