AUSTIN, Texas — A 44-year-old woman suspected in a series of high-value retail thefts across Austin has been arrested after repeatedly attempting to evade police, according to the Austin Police Department.
Police identified the suspect as Bodesha Garner, who was taken into custody Oct. 21 after officers located her driving in North Austin.
According to APD, the investigation began May 8, when members of the North Metro Tactical Unit received information about a purse theft at The Domain.
Officers identified Garner as a suspect the following day, and a warrant was issued for her arrest. She was initially arrested May 23.
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Over the next several months, Garner was suspected in additional high-value thefts at retailers throughout Austin, prompting authorities to issue multiple arrest warrants.
In September, APD’s North Metro Tactical Unit began working with local retailers to locate Garner and investigate the thefts.
On Sept. 17, officers spotted Garner driving in North Austin and attempted a traffic stop, but police said she refused to stop and fled.
Authorities encountered her again Oct. 9 near a North Austin hotel. According to APD, Garner escaped officers by driving through two fences.
Garner was subsequently featured in Capital Area Crime Stoppers’ Wanted Wednesday campaign on Oct. 14.
On Oct. 21, officers located Garner driving in North Austin and attempted to arrest her. Police said she again tried to evade officers but was ultimately taken into custody.
Garner was arrested on outstanding warrants and faces additional charges of evading arrest in a motor vehicle and deadly conduct.
Investigators are continuing to work with Austin-area retailers to identify other theft cases potentially connected to Garner. Police said additional charges are expected.
Anyone with information is encouraged to submit an anonymous tip through Capital Area Crime Stoppers or call 512-472-8477.