KVOA

Posted: Nov 20, 2009 4:33 PM
Updated: Nov 20, 2009 8:21 PM

MATHIS - Nickels and quarters went flying as an armored truck rolled off of interstate 37 near Mathis Thursday afternoon. It looked like a treasure hunt as the San Patricio County Sheriffs Department cleaned up the scattered change earlier today.

However, the action that took place after the truck rolled was no small change, while good Samaritans arrived on scene to help out the injured and dazed truck occupants, another man that stopped had something more devious in mind.

Sergeant Joe Gaitan of the San Patricio County Sheriffs Office said, "One of the gentlemen that got out to help, helped himself to some money."

While others were administrating first aid to the guards, 30 year old Trent Williams decided to help himself to the unguarded cash. He actually cut open one of the cash bags in the back of the truck and stuffed 20 thousand dollars in his pockets, but he didn't get far.

As Williams made his getaway, alert citizens who noticed the dirty deed jotted down the number of his truck. He was busted by San Patricio County Sheriffs Deputies a short time later.

According to Gaitan, "One of them dialed 911 on his cell phone and contacted the Sheriffs Office and we caught him between Sinton and Mathis on 188."

When Williams was pulled over, deputies also discovered that he stole one of the injured guards guns, so he will be charged with both felony theft for the money and felony theft for the gun as well.

Since the accident officials have recovered all by 40 dollars of the money. But the charges against Williams, who is already on probation, could cost him at least 20 years in prison.

By the way, the driver of the truck was uninjured but the passenger in the truck suffered a broken hip and head injuries. He's is expected to fully recover.