On December 5, 2024, the Austin Police Department's North Metro Tactical Unit and North Criminal Investigation Division carried out a "shoplifting blitz" operation in the Lakeline Mall area of North Austin, Williamson County, Texas. The operation aimed to support local retailers by apprehending shoplifters and taking necessary law enforcement actions.
During the operation, officers responded to four active shoplifting cases. These included a call about four individuals working together and three frequent offenders that stores had been unable to detain. The police made nine custodial arrests for offenses such as Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, Theft, Possession of a Controlled Substance (POCS), and Request to Apprehend. They also identified suspects responsible for additional outstanding cases with local retailers and recovered approximately $7,500 in stolen property.
In one case at Kohl’s on Lakeline Blvd., officers were alerted to four individuals concealing unpaid merchandise in a baby stroller. As the suspects exited the store with the goods, they attempted to flee but were quickly apprehended. Officers recovered around $1,100 in merchandise from Kohl’s and an additional $1,200 from other stores found in their vehicle.
At Lowe’s on N FM 620, known repeat offender Javier Rios was arrested after attempting to leave with an unpaid AC unit valued at $2,156. He also had two outstanding warrants for Larceny. A shower kit worth $609 stolen from another Lowe’s location was found in his vehicle.
Another incident at Target on Lakeline Mall Drive involved Donovan Clausen removing an anti-theft device from electronics inside the store. After fleeing on foot with unpaid items valued at $613.70, he was detained near a vehicle where more stolen goods and narcotics were discovered. Clausen faced charges of Theft and Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance. Christina Shell was also arrested and charged with two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Lastly, Martin Morales was caught pushing a cart full of merchandise out of Target without paying. Confronted by an employee, he abandoned the cart but was later arrested for Theft after being located by officers along with Crystal Overby who had an active warrant for her arrest.