Police arrest man accused of stealing Christmas donations from restaurant

Surveillance captures Zachary Shultz, 25, taking money from Flame Broiler jar

Surveillance image from Flame Broiler on Philips Highway

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A man accused of stealing charity donations from a tip jar before Christmas at a Southside restaurant has been arrested, according to a report from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

Surveillance footage from Flame Broiler on Philips Highway captured 25-year-old Zachary Shultz stealing money out of a tip jar on the counter meant to go to Toys for Tots.

Recommended Videos



Employees said they called police after Shultz came into the restaurant and left with multiple large bills inside a tip jar. 

Flame Broiler assistant manager Adrienne Branson said Shultz distracted cashiers, then acted like he left his wallet in his car and then vanished.

Shultz was never caught or identified in the incident until recently.

Police said they found Shultz while investigating a different theft at a local gas station.

Shultz admitted to taking money from the tip jar at Flame Broiler. He said he "did not think it would be a big deal, it was a just a few dollars," according to the arrest report.

Shultz told police he saw the incident on the news and said he was "sorry (because) he did not know the tips were going to Toys for Tots," the arrest report reads.