San Antonio, TX, August 29, 2025
News Summary
Antone Sinclair Shannon has been arrested again for felony theft, following a series of equipment and boat thefts across South Texas. Previously known for stealing a live shark in 2018, Shannon’s recent arrest was triggered by the recovery of a stolen antique tractor in Bandera County. Authorities believe he is involved in multiple thefts, including a welding machine and boats, prompting heightened law enforcement efforts in the region to combat rural theft rings.
San Antonio
Antone Sinclair Shannon, previously arrested in 2018 for stealing a live shark from a San Antonio aquarium, has been arrested again and now faces a series of new felony theft charges tied to farm equipment and boats across South Texas. Investigators say the arrest followed recovery of a stolen antique tractor in Bandera County and links to other stolen property taken from Atascosa County.
Key developments
- Shannon was taken into custody in June 2025 after law enforcement recovered an antique tractor valued at $6,500 in Bandera County.
- The tractor was reported stolen from a location directly across the street from the Atascosa County sheriff’s office.
- Authorities also charged Shannon in connection with the theft of a boat that occurred on the same night as the tractor theft.
- In August 2025, investigators linked Shannon to a separate theft of a welding machine in northern Atascosa County; that welder, valued at $5,000, was also recovered in Bandera County.
- Investigators further suspect Shannon of stealing an additional boat from a dealership in Pleasanton.
- Shannon is being held at the Bexar County Jail with no bond set and is awaiting transport to Atascosa County to face the latest felony theft charges.
Investigation and law enforcement response
The recent arrests and recoveries resulted from a coordinated, multi-agency investigation that included the Bandera County Sheriff’s Office and the San Antonio Police Department, alongside Atascosa County investigators. Officials said the case began to move forward after the tractor was located in Bandera County, prompting further searches and property recoveries tied to theft reports in surrounding rural areas.
Sheriff’s office statements describe a pattern of property thefts affecting small towns and rural properties outside major urban centers. The incidents have led local authorities to emphasize increased patrols and coordination across county lines to deter similar crimes.
Suspect background and community impact
Shannon has a prior high-profile arrest for the 2018 theft of a live shark from a San Antonio aquarium. That earlier case drew public attention because of its unusual nature. Investigators now say Shannon is connected to a string of property crimes involving agricultural equipment, boats, and tools—items commonly targeted in rural thefts.
Officials noted that several thefts occurred in small towns and near county facilities, prompting concern among local residents and law enforcement agencies about repeat offenders moving between counties. Authorities described the suspected pattern as part of a broader problem of criminals originating in urban areas and committing thefts in nearby rural communities.
Current custody and next steps
Following his June arrest, Shannon posted bond and was released shortly afterward. He was later taken back into custody in connection with the recoveries in Bandera County and the new Atascosa County charges. At the time of this report, no bond has been set for the most recent felony theft charges, and Shannon remains in the Bexar County Jail awaiting transfer and formal filing of charges in Atascosa County.
Prosecutors and investigators continue to review evidence from recovered items and theft reports. Additional charges or related arrests could follow if further links are confirmed. Local law enforcement encourages residents and businesses to report suspicious activity and to take precautions to secure equipment and property.
What this means for the region
The case highlights a recurring law-enforcement challenge in South Texas: safeguarding rural property and farm equipment from theft rings that may operate across county boundaries. The multi-agency response in this instance demonstrates increased information sharing between county sheriff’s offices and municipal police agencies to recover stolen property and bring suspects to court.
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Antone Sinclair Shannon |
| Prior Notable Case | 2018 live shark theft from San Antonio aquarium |
| Recovered Items | Antique tractor ($6,500), Welding machine ($5,000) |
| Alleged Additional Thefts | Two boats (one from a dealership in Pleasanton) |
| Counties Involved | Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar (custody) |
| Agencies | Bandera County Sheriff’s Office, San Antonio Police Department, Atascosa County investigators |
| Custody Status | Held at Bexar County Jail; awaiting transfer to Atascosa County |
Timeline
| Date | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Arrest for theft of a live shark from San Antonio aquarium | Prior case involving Shannon |
| June 2025 | Arrest after recovery of a stolen antique tractor in Bandera County | Tractor valued at $6,500; arrest made |
| June 2025 (same night) | Theft of a boat reported; linked to tractor theft | Charged in connection with boat theft |
| August 2025 | Investigators link stolen welding machine to the case; welder recovered in Bandera County | Welder valued at $5,000; additional felony charges pending |
| August 2025 | Shannon held at Bexar County Jail with no bond set; awaiting transfer to Atascosa County | Custody ongoing |
Simple statistics and visuals
Recovered items and approximate values:
FAQ
Who is the suspect in these thefts?
The suspect is Antone Sinclair Shannon, previously arrested in 2018 for stealing a live shark from a San Antonio aquarium.
What charges is he facing now?
He is facing multiple felony theft charges related to an antique tractor, a welding machine, and at least one boat, with investigations ongoing to determine all related charges.
Where and when was he arrested?
Shannon was taken into custody in June 2025 after investigators recovered a stolen tractor in Bandera County. He was later linked to additional thefts and is currently held in the Bexar County Jail.
Were the stolen items recovered?
Investigators recovered an antique tractor valued at $6,500 and a welding machine valued at $5,000 in Bandera County. Authorities also believe a boat was stolen from a Pleasanton dealership and that another boat was taken on the same night as the tractor theft.
Which agencies are involved in the investigation?
The investigation involved the Bandera County Sheriff’s Office, the San Antonio Police Department, and Atascosa County investigators working together to recover stolen property and identify suspects.
What is the current custody status?
Shannon is being held at the Bexar County Jail with no bond set and is awaiting transfer to Atascosa County to face the latest felony theft charges.
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Additional Resources
- Fox San Antonio: Serial Thief Known for Shark Theft
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- KSAT: San Antonio Man Charged in 2018 Shark Theft
- Google Search: Antone Sinclair Shannon
- KENS5: San Antonio Shark Snatcher & Boat Bandit
- Google Scholar: Antone Sinclair Shannon
- KSAT: San Antonio Man Charged in String of Crimes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio
- KENS5: Welding Machine Stolen in Atascosa County
- Google News: San Antonio Shark Theft
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
