Alleged 'Red Bull Bandit' Captured In Modesto
MODESTO (CBS13) – The man known as the "Red Bull Bandit" no longer has wings. Modesto police captured the alleged energy drink thief after a store clerk became suspicious.
Police arrested 42-year-old Charles Burkhalter on Thursday.
Police say Burkhalter entered the Budget Meats store at 1125 Maze Boulevard on Thursday telling a clerk he was a Red Bull energy drink distributor and had to remove the current stock and replenish it.
The clerk became suspicious when Burkhalter took the stock but didn't return with any new Red Bull. The clerk was able to get a description of Burkhalter's vehicle and called police.
Officers caught up with Burkhalter near Crows Landing Road and Whitmore Avenue and found about 10 cases of stolen Red Bull valued at $300-$400 inside his vehicle.
Police believe Burkhalter began his Red Bull thefts in Fresno where he first earned his name. Officers found evidence that he has been committing similar crimes throughout the San Joaquin Valley.
Burkhalter was arrested and booked into the Stanislaus County Jail for burglary and committing a crime while out on bail.
