Eleven people are now in custody for allegedly stealing from H-E-B, Marshalls, and other major retailers in Central Texas. The Austin Police Department carried out a “shoplifting blitz” operation in Austin’s Mueller area earlier this month, according to a news release.

APD said, “This operation was designed to assist in combating ongoing retail crime by providing rapid response to thefts in progress and taking appropriate enforcement action.” The April 8 blitz resulted in seven arrests at the Mueller H-E-B, one at Home Depot, two at Bath and Body Works and another at Marshalls.

At the Mueller H-E-B, located at 1801 E. 51st Street in Austin, 55-year-old Michael Lynn Durham was arrested for theft of property with previous convictions. Travis County Court records show Durham has a criminal history including more than a dozen arrests and dismissed felonies dating back to 2005.

Austin Police then arrested 62-year-old Christine Mead for theft by shoplifting, a Class B citation. Chase McCowen, 34, was charged with evading arrest or detention, a Class A misdemeanor. 

Kendrick Roberton, 55, was charged with theft by shoplifting, a Class C citation. Angel Salgado, 39, and 54-year-old William Floyd were both charged with theft of property with previous convictions, a state jail felony.

APD arrested 27-year-old Miguel Fragoso for theft of property with previous convictions, resisting arrest, search or transportation (class A misdemeanor) and an arrest warrant charging theft at the Home Depot located at 1200 Barbara Jordan Boulevard in Austin. 

Two doors down, authorities also apprehended 51-year-old Michael Bilbo for theft of property with previous convictions at the Marshalls located at 1201 Barbara Jordan Blvd. 

Also located in the same Barbara Jordan Boulevard shopping center, police arrested 61-year-old Orlando White for theft of property, with previous convictions, and on an arrest warrant for a parole violation at Bath and Body Works.

Lastly, APD arrested 31-year-old Ashley Wilson for theft of property with previous convictions and another arrest warrant out of the neighboring Williamson County, charging theft of property with previous convictions. 

APD concluded, “These targeted operations demonstrate APD’s continued commitment to supporting local businesses, reducing theft-related crime, and improving safety in high-traffic shopping corridors.” Police said it will continue to work “with retail partners to identify repeat offenders, deter criminal activity, and ensure a safe shopping environment for residents and visitors.”
 
Anyone with more information can submit an anonymous tip through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program or by calling 512-472-8477.