Austin, Texas, February 11, 2026
Authorities in Austin are searching for a woman accused of stealing credit cards from a restricted area and using them at local H-E-B and Walgreens stores. The suspect was captured on surveillance footage driving a white Toyota Prius. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program, as a reward of up to $1,000 is being offered. This case highlights the continuing issue of credit card fraud affecting retailers in Texas.
Austin Police Search for Suspect in H-E-B Credit Card Abuse Case
Austin, Texas – Authorities are actively seeking a woman accused of using stolen credit cards at local H-E-B and Walgreens stores in an incident that took place on February 2, 2026. The theft occurred after the suspect entered a restricted employees-only break room at a business located at 3508 Far West Boulevard and took a wallet containing credit cards.
Following the theft, the suspect managed to use these stolen cards to make both successful and unsuccessful gift card purchases at two prominent local retailers: the H-E-B store at 5808 Burnet Road and the Walgreens at 8104 Mesa Drive. The investigation has been aided by surveillance footage that captured the suspect driving a white Toyota Prius, likely a model year between 2010 and 2015. She is described as a Black woman, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing around 250 pounds, and was wearing a black long-sleeve shirt, tights, and blue slides at the time of the incident.
Detectives are urging anyone with information about this case to contact the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program anonymously at 512-472-8477 or visit austincrimestoppers.org. A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest.
Background on Credit Card Abuse Incidents in Texas
Credit card abuse is not a new issue in Texas; it has been a recurring problem that has affected various local businesses over the years. For instance, in August 2019, a man named Christopher Lee Hill was arrested for using stolen credit and debit cards to purchase approximately $15,000 worth of merchandise from multiple H-E-B locations in Williamson County. His spree involved 102 fraudulent transactions, with 25 of those disputed by account holders who reported them as fraudulent.
Additionally, in December 2018, a contractor, Anthony Martinez, was arrested for stealing three credit cards from the homeowner and using them at an H-E-B store. These cases highlight not only the growing issue of credit card fraud but also the vigilance required by both law enforcement and the community to combat such thefts effectively.
FAQ
What happened in the recent H-E-B credit card abuse case?
On February 2, 2026, a woman entered a restricted employees-only break room at a business located at 3508 Far West Boulevard in Austin, Texas, and stole a wallet containing credit cards. She later used these stolen cards to make both successful and unsuccessful gift card purchases at the H-E-B store at 5808 Burnet Road and the Walgreens at 8104 Mesa Drive. Surveillance footage captured the suspect driving a white Toyota Prius, possibly a model year between 2010 and 2015. She is described as a Black woman, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing around 250 pounds, and was seen wearing a black long-sleeve shirt, tights, and blue slides.
How can I help in identifying the suspect?
If you have any information about the suspect or the incident, you can submit a tip anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or by calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 is available for information that leads to an arrest.
Has credit card abuse been a common issue in Texas?
Yes, credit card abuse has been a recurring problem in Texas. For example, in August 2019, Christopher Lee Hill was arrested for using stolen credit and debit cards to purchase approximately $15,000 worth of merchandise from multiple H-E-B locations in Williamson County. In December 2018, Anthony Martinez was arrested for stealing three credit cards from a homeowner and using them at an H-E-B store. These incidents underscore the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing credit card abuse and the importance of public vigilance in reporting suspicious activities.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date and Time | February 2, 2026, between 5 and 6 p.m. |
| Location of Theft | Employees-only break room at a business located at 3508 Far West Boulevard, Austin, Texas |
| Stolen Items | Wallet containing credit cards |
| Locations of Fraudulent Purchases | H-E-B store at 5808 Burnet Road and Walgreens at 8104 Mesa Drive, Austin, Texas |
| Suspect’s Vehicle | White Toyota Prius, possibly a model year between 2010 and 2015 |
| Suspect’s Description | Black woman, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing around 250 pounds, wearing a black long-sleeve shirt, tights, and blue slides |
| Reward for Information | Up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest |
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