A Texas man is accused of stealing more than $1,700 worth of brisket from multiple grocery stores across Central Texas during a weekend-long spree — a case that drew extra attention after police shared the arrest details on social media.
Armando Salazar, 51, of Baytown, was arrested on Dec. 6 and charged with theft under $2,500 with two or more previous convictions, according to police. He is being held on a $2,500 bond.
Authorities allege Salazar targeted several stores over the course of one weekend. Police said the incidents involved brisket taken from H-E-B and Walmart locations in Buda, along with stores in Manor and Austin.
As officers began linking the thefts, the investigation took on a memorable nickname. In a Facebook post that spread quickly online, the Buda Police Department referred to the case as the “Brisket Caper.”
In the post, police noted the alleged thefts happened while the city was hosting seasonal events. “On Saturday, December 6th, while many of us were enjoying Budafest activities, Mr. Salazar decided not to partake in our wonderful food vendors on Main Street and in City Park,” the department wrote.
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Instead, authorities said he focused on grocery stores carrying higher-priced cuts. Police alleged he “stole over $1,700 worth of brisket from H-E-B (Buda), Walmart Buda, and stores in Manor and Austin.”
After spotting a pattern, Buda officers alerted nearby departments. That outreach led Kyle Police Department officers to locate Salazar inside their local H-E-B, police said.
Investigators believe he was attempting to steal meat again when officers found him in the store. In the Facebook post, the department added a tongue-in-cheek line that he was “likely trying to continue to purloin the sirloin.”
The post’s playful tone helped push it beyond a typical arrest notice. “🥩 Brisket Caper Caught! 🔒” the department captioned the update.
“Once we notified the Kyle Police Department about The Brisket Caper, he was located by KPD officers at their HEB,” the post stated.
Police records show Salazar was booked on a charge of theft under $2,500 with two or more prior theft convictions, with bond set at $2,500.
