Austin Police Arrest Nine in Major Organized Shoplifting Operation
On Thursday, December 5, 2024, the Austin Police Department’s (APD) North Metro Tactical Unit and North Criminal Investigation Division conducted a proactive “shoplifting blitz” operation in the Lakeline Mall area of North Austin, Williamson County, Texas. The operation aimed to assist local retailers with shoplifting incidents by apprehending suspects and taking appropriate law enforcement actions.
The operation led to the following outcomes:
- Four active shoplifting cases were addressed, including one involving a group of four individuals working in concert and three frequent offenders that stores had been unable to successfully detain on their own.
- Nine suspects were arrested for charges including Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, Theft, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Request to Apprehend.
- Approximately $7,500 in stolen property was recovered.
Case Summaries:
- Kohl’s – 11111 Lakeline Blvd (Case #24-3400576):
Officers responded to a report of four individuals actively stealing merchandise concealed in a baby stroller. The suspects attempted to flee but were quickly apprehended. Approximately $1,100 in merchandise was recovered, along with an additional $1,200 in stolen goods from two other stores found in their vehicle.
The suspects were identified as 20-year-old Melain Gomez, 25-year-old Alexis Garza, 22-year-old Jesus Jimenez-Gomez and 23-year-old Jessica Gomez.
All four were charged with Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity. - Lowe’s – 13201 N FM 620 (Case #24-3400790):
Officers arrested 41-year-old Javier Rios, a known high-value repeat offender, after he attempted to steal an AC unit valued at $2,156 from Lowe’s. Officers also found a shower kit stolen from another Lowe’s store. Rios was charged with Theft and had two outstanding warrants for larceny. - Target – 10900 Lakeline Mall Drive (Case #24-3400796):
23-year-old Donovan Clausen was apprehended after removing an anti-theft device from electronics and fleeing the scene with unpaid merchandise. Officers recovered $613.70 worth of stolen items and located additional stolen goods and narcotics in his vehicle. Clausen was charged with Theft and Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance. 44-year-old Christina Shell, a female companion, was arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance. - Target – 10900 Lakeline Mall Drive (Case #24-3400886):
54-year-old Martin Morales was arrested after attempting to steal merchandise from Target. He abandoned the stolen cart but was found in a vehicle in the parking lot. Morales was charged with Theft, and 44-year-old Crystal Overby, the driver of the vehicle, was arrested for an active warrant.
The operation was part of a continued effort to combat organized retail crime in the area, with officers targeting known offenders and those involved in large-scale theft operations.
