The notorious “saw bandit,” identified as Alfred Cobb, has been apprehended in Temple, Texas, ending a statewide hunt that spanned several months. Cobb, accused of using a heavy-duty cutting saw to break into ATMs across Louisiana, was arrested at a U-Haul rental location nearly 500 miles from where his alleged crime spree began.
The St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office has linked Cobb to a string of ATM thefts throughout Louisiana, describing his methods as bold and calculated. Surveillance footage from multiple locations captured Cobb wielding a powerful cutting tool to breach the machines and access cash inside. Authorities believe Cobb traveled extensively across the state, targeting ATMs in secluded areas late at night to minimize the risk of detection.
Cobb’s arrest in Temple, Texas, marks the culmination of a collaborative investigation involving local law enforcement in Louisiana and Texas, as well as federal authorities. Officials tracked Cobb’s movements through a combination of surveillance footage, witness tips, and vehicle rental records, which ultimately led to his capture at the U-Haul facility. He was reportedly attempting to rent another vehicle when he was taken into custody without incident.
Sheriff Mike Tregre of St. John Parish commended the coordinated efforts of law enforcement, noting the complexity of the case. “This arrest sends a strong message to criminals who think they can evade justice. Cobb’s actions caused significant financial damage and disrupted businesses across the region,” Tregre said.
Cobb now faces multiple charges, including theft, vandalism, and possession of burglary tools, with additional charges expected as the investigation continues. Authorities are reviewing evidence to determine whether Cobb acted alone or had accomplices who aided in the thefts or logistics. Law enforcement is also investigating whether similar crimes in neighboring states could be connected to Cobb’s operation.
The arrest provides some relief to affected communities and businesses, many of which experienced significant financial losses due to damaged ATMs and stolen funds. As Cobb awaits extradition to Louisiana, prosecutors are preparing to pursue maximum penalties for the high-profile case.
