Austin residents received news that a 44-year-old woman suspected of a string of high-value retail thefts has been taken into custody. The arrest, made on Oct. 21, concludes a months-long investigation that began in early May and involved multiple attempts by the suspect to evade law‑enforcement. Police say the case is significant for local merchants, who have reported losses at several shopping centers across the city.
According to CBS Austin, the investigation started on May 8 when members of the Austin Police Department’s North Metro Tactical Unit received a tip about a purse theft at The Domain. The unit identified Bodesha Garner as a suspect the following day and secured a warrant for her arrest. Garner was initially taken into custody on May 23, but additional warrants were issued as investigators linked her to further high-value thefts at other retailers throughout Austin.
The department continued to monitor the case, and in September the North Metro Tactical Unit began working directly with local retailers to locate Garner and examine related theft incidents. On Sept. 17 officers spotted Garner driving in North Austin and attempted a traffic stop; she refused to stop and fled. Police encountered her again on Oct. 9 near a North Austin hotel, where she escaped by driving through two fences, prompting renewed efforts to apprehend her.
Cedar News reported that Garner was featured in Capital Area Crime Stoppers’ Wanted Wednesday campaign on Oct. 14, and the following week, on Oct. 21, officers located her again driving in North Austin. After another attempt to evade, she was finally taken into custody. The Austin Police Department said Garner faces the original charges, as well as additional counts of evading arrest in a motor vehicle and deadly conduct. Investigators expect further charges as they review other theft cases that may be linked to her.
Police are still working with Austin-area retailers to identify any other thefts that could be connected to Garner, and they have asked the public to submit anonymous tips through Capital Area Crime Stoppers or by calling 512‑472‑8477. The resolution of this case underscores the department’s commitment to protecting local businesses and deterring organized retail crime, a priority for the community.
Sources: cbsaustin.com, cedarnews.net, cedarnews.net
