Austin, September 13, 2025
News Summary
Austin police have arrested 50-year-old Manny Jimeniz in connection with multiple burglaries at Royal Blue Grocery locations. The incidents, which occurred over three consecutive days, involved forced entry at the downtown store. Owners have expressed concerns about the ongoing safety issues and the impact on their business, especially with the impending closure of their Congress Avenue location due to lease issues. Law enforcement continues to investigate these burglaries amidst broader discussions on retail safety in Austin.
Austin Police Arrest 50-Year-Old Man for Series of Royal Blue Grocery Burglaries
Austin, Texas – Austin police have taken into custody 50-year-old Manny Jimeniz following a series of burglaries targeting Royal Blue Grocery locations earlier this week. Jimeniz was arrested early Thursday morning near one of the grocery stores where the burglaries occurred.
The downtown location of Royal Blue Grocery experienced three consecutive burglaries, occurring in the early morning hours on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Police reported that in each case, there were signs of forced entry at the front of the store. However, no suspects were found at the scene of any of the break-ins. Jimeniz has been charged with three counts of non-residential burglary.
Authorities from the Austin Police Department’s commercial burglary unit were able to identify Jimeniz as a suspect, subsequently issuing arrest warrants. The recent string of burglaries has raised significant concerns among the owners of Royal Blue Grocery, who have expressed frustration over the ongoing safety issues plaguing their business.
The grocery chain, which has faced similar incidents in the past, has seen an escalation in burglaries attributed to repeat offenders. The owner of Royal Blue Grocery, George Scariano, has emphasized the adverse impact such incidents have on their operations. He noted that the frustrations extend beyond just theft; the grocery’s Congress Avenue location is set to close following the landlord’s decision not to renew their lease. Scariano indicated that recent safety issues and requests for rent adjustments contributed to the landlord’s choice.
Scariano has expressed concerns that the decisions made by property owners are out of touch with the realities faced by businesses like his. The grocery chain has also seen multiple store closures throughout the city, an issue that he correlates with changing business conditions and retail safety concerns. Despite these challenges, Scariano is actively seeking a more suitable location to continue serving the community and is determined to keep the business running in the area.
As law enforcement continues their investigation into the series of burglaries, the situation highlights the broader issues of retail safety and economic viability that many local businesses face amid ongoing changes in the urban landscape of Austin.
Key Details of the Incident
- Date of Arrest: Early Thursday morning.
- Suspect: Manny Jimeniz, 50 years old.
- Burglary Dates: Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday of this week.
- Crime Charges: Three counts of non-residential burglary.
- Incident Details: Signs of forced entry detected during all three burglaries.
Context and Reactions
- Burglaries Impact: Ongoing safety issues affecting Royal Blue Grocery.
- Future of Locations: Congress Avenue location to close after lease issue.
- Owner’s Concerns: Landlord’s response deemed disconnected from business realities.
FAQ Section
What led to the arrest of Manny Jimeniz?
Manny Jimeniz was arrested in relation to a series of burglaries at Royal Blue Grocery, where he was identified by the Austin Police Department’s commercial burglary detectives.
When did the burglaries occur?
The burglaries took place on three consecutive nights: Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday earlier this week.
What charges is Jimeniz facing?
Jimeniz is facing three counts of non-residential burglary.
How has the series of burglaries affected Royal Blue Grocery?
The owner has expressed frustration over safety concerns, indicating that the grocery chain has been targeted by repeat offenders and is facing business challenges due to these issues.
What is happening to the Congress Avenue location?
The Congress Avenue location of Royal Blue Grocery is set to close due to a decision made by the landlord not to renew the lease.
Chart: Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrested Individual | Manny Jimeniz, 50 years old |
| Burglary Locations | Downtown Royal Blue Grocery |
| Dates of Burglaries | Sunday, Monday, Tuesday |
| Charges Filed | Three counts of non-residential burglary |
| Owner’s Frustrations | Concerns over safety and repeated burglaries |
| Next Steps for Store | Seeking a more suitable location |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- CBS Austin: Suspect Arrested
- Wikipedia: Burglary
- KVUE: Crime Report
- Google Search: Royal Blue Grocery Burglary
- Statesman: Business Closure
- Google Scholar: Retail Safety Concerns
- KXAN: Store Closure
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Retail Challenges
- FOX 7 Austin: Business Exodus
- Google News: Royal Blue Grocery News
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis 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 SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
