Security cams lead to arrest in Granite Shoals

by Alexandria Randolph

Highland Lakes Newspaper

A Granite Shoals man is in custody following the break-in and burglary of a food pantry.

Granite Shoals Police said William Edward Flemmer, 49, was arrested at his Granite Shoals home on Friday, Sept. 23 at 7:05 p.m. on Castlewood Drive on two charges of burglary of a building.

A new release issued by Granite Shoals Police stated that Flemmer was identified as the suspect of two early morning burglaries that occurred on Sept. 13 at the Black Pearl Market and Joseph's Food Pantry. Granite Shoals Chief Gary Boshears said the burglary at the market took place at 2:30 a.m., and the burglary at the pantry, about seven blocks away, took place between 6-7 a.m.

“The Black Pearl Market had its front door smashed in where two cases of beer and multiple packages of cigarettes were taken from the store,” police said. “A short time later, Joseph's Food Pantry, a non-profit food bank, had been entered by breaking a glass door window into the Pantry. Meat, frozen food, and other items were taken from that that location. Both businesses had security camera systems which provided video evidence of the crimes. While reviewing the video from both locations, investigators noted a prominent and obvious tattoo and unique tennis shoes on the suspect.”

During the investigation, police noted the same tattoo and shoes when speaking with Flemmer.

Two arrest warrants were obtained based on video evidence and other information. Flemmer was arrested several days later. He was booked in the Burnet County Jail on Friday and remains there on total bond of $15,000.

"It is ironic," said Roy Guerrero, an official with Joseph's Food Pantry, "we give away our food and that's all that was taken and they damaged our door."

Pantry video of the incident was clear, even though captured at night and the incidents were widely discussed in the community. The GSPD, however, asked for media cooperation in withholding the images until the investigation could be completed.

Boshears said Flemmer was “not very talkative” about the incident, and the food and beer stolen had not been recovered.

“It was probably consumed since that time,” he said.

Burglary of a building is a state jail felony, punishable by up to two years in prison. Flemmer has a record of Burnet County of similar criminal charges, including burglar of a habitation, theft, family violence and drug possession.

Anyone with more information regarding this case should contact Granite Shoals Police Chief Gary Boshears at the Granite Shoals Police Department or call the Hill Country Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-866-756-8477.