I just had to laugh at this Headline. The Austin Blue Jeans Bandit! Lock up your kids!

~

Austin police are on the hunt for a blue jean bandit, after a break-in at a high-end boutique in Central Austin.
The latest burglary happened early Monday, when two crooks hit Blue Elephant. They launched a piece of limestone through the shop's window.

Then they made their way to shelves of pricey denim and took off with more than 100 pairs.

Joe's jeans, True Religion, High fashion became part of a high-dollar heist at the Austin boutique.

Liz Rios, manager, says, "The True Religion retail anywhere from almost $200 to $300. Then we had some Joe's that retail anywhere from $150-160 range to over $200.

Thieves also loaded up LaCoste shirts for a total of more $23,000 in stolen merchandise.

Someone at a nearby grocery store spotted the break-in.

Police say the thieves tossed out garbage bags full of jeans at a pursuing cruiser. The passenger managed to get away but officers arrested the driver.

Rios says it's "…such a relief. We're so happy one person was caught and hopefully they'll catch the other and hopefully this won't happen to any other boutique in town."

It has happened before. Twice last year at Blue Elephant's sister store. Police say it's all about bootlegging those boot-cuts.

Detective James Mason with APD says, "They can be sold online, they can be sold at local flea markets, they can be sold in parking lots."

Denim fans like Amy Scott see the draw.

Shopper Ashley Scott says they're "…tempting. Because they're so expensive."

And now back on the shelves where they belong.

Austin police won't release the mug shot of Demonica Runnels, the man arrested and charged with this burglary. His photo will be part of a lineup in the investigation of several other denim thefts.

Runnels is jailed on charges of theft and trying to get away from officers. Investigators hope he can lead them to the other suspect.


Love This Email Print Facebook Stumble It! Report