Slidell Police Nab Two Men in $1,500 Brisket Theft Following Traffic Stop
SLIDELL, La. — What began as a routine traffic stop turned into a major meat theft bust on Tuesday evening when Slidell police pulled over a vehicle for broken brake lights on Old Spanish Trail.
Officers noticed the two men inside, John Garriga, 55, of Gulfport, MS, and Charles Walker, 66, of Biloxi, MS, were acting nervously. Upon inspection, police discovered more than $1,500 worth of USDA ribeye steaks and beef brisket inside the car.
Investigators say the men had just committed a large-scale shoplifting at a nearby store moments before the stop.
Both Garriga and Walker were arrested and booked on felony charges for theft and possession of stolen property. Officials noted both have extensive criminal records related to similar offenses.
