Police: Man fools couple to get in house, steals car

Man claimed to have asthma attack

HOUSTON – A stranger talked his way into a couple's home, fooling them, before stealing their car, according to police.

The couple, a man rang the door bell at their Baytown home on Sunday, asking for water. He claimed he was having an asthma attack and could not breathe.

"He said, 'I'm not cooling down. Could I please step in your house?'" said Geralinde Minkkinen. "I wasn't so comfortable, but I did it anyway. I let him sit on the stairs."

Baytown police said the man then pulled out a gun.

"He said, 'I will not shoot you. Just give me the keys and let me go.' So my husband gave him the key and he take the car and drove off," said Minkkinen.

The car that was stolen was a gold 2010 Hyundai Elantra with Texas license plate No. BX1 N421.

Anyone with information is asked to call Baytown Crime Stoppers at 281-427-8477.