2 arrested in north Austin after police conduct 'shoplifting blitz'

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Two people were arrested in what the Austin Police Department is calling a "shoplifting blitz," operation, an APD spokesperson told KXAN Tuesday.

Those two people were identified as 43-year-old Omar Cuellar Sanchez and 27-year-old Dailena Rodriguez Herrera, according to police. They were both arrested and charged with theft, which is a Class B misdemeanor.

KXAN has reached out to attorneys for Sanchez and Herrera. We will update this if statements are received from either.

The department said it worked with around 20 local retail representatives to conduct the "shoplifting blitz," in areas at The Domain, Arbor Walk, Gateway and Arboretum Shopping Center -- which are all located in north Austin.

On Nov. 22, the Marshall's Loss Prevention reported to APD around 3:15 p.m. that there were two suspects "who were showing evidence of Organized Retail Theft," according to the department.

"The suspects were removing anti-theft security devices and concealing stolen items, sneakers and wallets, in their clothing," police said.

Officers in the area helped apprehend the suspects, later identified as Sanchez and Herrera, who had $312.61 worth of stolen merchandise. Additionally, they both had "tools used to remove the anti-theft devices," police said.

Furthermore, police also identified the vehicle that belonged to Sanchez and Herrera. In that vehicle, police found "three reusable shopping bags filled with similar stolen merchandise, shoes, and wallets with tags on the inside of them." According to police, the items came from Marshall's TJ Maxx and Ross.

Between the items both suspects had on them, along with what was in their vehicle, police said they stole items valued at approximately $1,000.

Anyone who has any information on this theft case can submit an anonymous tip via the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program website or call 512-472-8477, according to APD.