Father, son jailed after alleged theft
By BRENDA SOMMER bsommer@leader-news.com

Two alleged thieves kept their "work" in the family after reportedly trying to shop-lift almost $2,000 in merchandise from a local store Oct. 28.

Police allege Michael George Bauer Sr. was the getaway driver for his son, Michael George Bauer Jr., who allegedly bolted out the door of the Wal-Mart Supercenter, 3413 West Loop, without paying for items in a cart he was pushing.

That cart contained a laptop computer, DVD movies, fishing tackle, clothes and other items worth $1,671.78.

Police said Bauer Jr. was chased by Wal-Mart staff as he ran to his father's car and abandoned the cart. The two sped away, followed by a Wal-Mart employee until El Campo Police picked up the chase.

Bauer Sr.'s car was stopped by police in the 400 block of West Norris, and his son allegedly told police he was poor, hungry and stole food. However, the cart did not contain any food.

The elder Bauer, 46, of Rt. 2, Box 161 in El Campo was arrested at 9:19 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28 on charges of driving while intoxicated - third or more, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Bauer Jr., 22, of 1907 Wayne was arrested on a charge of theft between $1,500 and $20,000. He and his father were transferred to county jail the next day.

Bauer Sr. was released at 2:30 p.m. the next day on $12,500 bond, while his son was released at the same time on $5,000 bond.