WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - Wichita police have identified the man they say stole tip jars full of cash from two northwest Wichita restaurants last month.
This security video from Meddys near 21st and Maize shows what happened on Friday, March 22nd. You see a man walk up to the front counter just waiting for his opportunity to strike.
"No one's paying attention,” said Meddys manager Jordan Hoefler. ”He just does what most of the guests do and they walk in, they tilt their heads up and look at the menu and say give me a little bit of time."
Then he stole the jar full of cash.
Just over an hour later, it appears the same man was caught on camera across the street at Wasabi doing the same thing.
After we aired the video and the story, the tips came in.
“WPD investigators have issued a felony warrant for his arrest,” said Crime Stoppers Coordinator Kris Gupilan. “And this is where they need the public's help."
Police say the suspect is Joseph Brand and Crime Stoppers is offering a reward.
"Investigators did say this person has caused a lot of thefts,” said Gupilan. “For someone to steal tips, we need to get them off the streets so he will stop victimizing employees or businesses.”
And this isn't Brand's first run in with the law. A search on the state prison website shows Brand served time for aggravated burglary from 2017-2022.
Police are hoping you can help them find Joseph Brand. If you have any information, you're asked to call Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111 or just scan the QR code. If your tip leads to an arrest and conviction, you could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,500.
