Mellow Johnny's Bike Shop, an establishment known in the Austin community and beyond for its connection to Lance Armstrong, has been struck by thieves numerous times over recent months. Reporting at least seven burglaries since last September, the incidents have prompted the shop to hire a private investigator, Dave Amis, in an effort to resolve the series of crimes that have resulted in the loss of goods valued well above $100,000. "There's a very active stolen bike community in Austin," Amis, who operates StriderPI, said in a statement obtained by FOX 7 Austin.
According to the private investigator, the Austin Police Department (APD) is overwhelmed, averaging 30 to 40 burglary reports a week with only seven detectives on the commercial burglary unit. Even though the APD acknowledges that private investigators sometimes provide useful information, the sheer volume of cases is challenging for law enforcement to manage. This bottleneck has led to businesses like Mellow Johnny's seeking alternatives to aid in the pursuit of justice. StriderPI has had some success, including the recovery of "Armstrong’s bike, which was worth around $20,000" and identifying suspects behind the thefts, KVUE reported.
One said suspect, who was captured on video busting through the window of Mellow Johnny's, is 41-year-old Brian Darelle Theodore Richardson. Charged with burglary of a building, he is just one part of a larger puzzle that includes a duo believed to be responsible for multiple incidents at the bike shop. Another aspect complicating the spate of burglaries is a group Amis referred to as an "active stolen bike community in Austin," selling and exchanging these lifted goods, as detailed in interviews conducted by FOX7 Austin. This network appears to operate near Mellow Johnny's, contributing to the concentration of thefts.
As part of their efforts to bring the culprits to book, StriderPI has disseminated over 400 flyers in the area, offering a $2,000 reward for information leading to arrests. This is complemented by the surveillance prowess StriderPI brings to the table. "Cameras are just killers when it comes to who did the crime," Amis said, stressing the importance of video evidence in resolving such cases. Meanwhile, the saga continues as StriderPI and the APD work hand in glove to button up investigations and secure convictions.
In a broader effort to improve investigative capabilities in the community, StriderPI also offers in-person training for prospective Texas private investigators. The curriculum includes modules on computer-based investigations (OSINT 101) and surveillance techniques (SURVEILLANCE 102), among other courses aimed at equipping individuals with the necessary skills to pursue this career path. Reflecting on the state of affairs and the stolen bicycle black market, the community, both business owners and residents alike, holds its collective breath, hoping for a breakthrough that can stem the tide of bike burglaries plaguing the area.
