On Monday, July 14, 2025, members of the Austin Police Department (APD) North Metro Tactical Unit, conducted a proactive "shoplifting blitz" operation in the Mueller area amid growing concerns from the businesses regarding retail crime. This operation was designed as an ongoing effort to assist local retailers with shoplifters by conducting swift apprehensions and taking appropriate enforcement action.
 
As a result of the operation, officers made arrests of repeat shoplifting offenders at the following locations:
 
HEB/Twin Liquors Mueller at 1801 East 51st St. – Suspects identified as:

Gilbert Torres (40 years of age) – Theft by Shoplifting (Class C Misdemeanor)

 

Brenda Spradling (63 years of age) – Theft by Shoplifting with two Prior Convictions (State Jail Felony)

 

Lazzete Hernandez (29 years of age) – Theft by Shoplifting (Class C Misdemeanor)

 

Heath Mead (55 years of age) – Theft by Shoplifting with two Prior Convictions (State Jail Felony)

Marshalls and Old Navy at 1201 Barbara Jordan Blvd. – Suspects identified as:
 

Aaron Chaffin (40 years of age) – Request to Apprehend Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (State Jail Felony)

 

Sarah Green (38 years of age) – Theft by Shoplifting with two Prior Convictions (State Jail Felony)

Home Depot at 1200 Barbara Jordan Blvd. – Suspect identified as:

Justin Ussery (38 years of age) – Theft by Shoplifting with two Prior Convictions (State Jail Felony)