Arrest made in theft of bicycles slated for donation, police say

Christian Cortina

BAYTOWN, Texas – Baytown police said they have made an arrest in the case of several bicycles slated for donation that were stolen from a bar last week.

Christian Cortina, of Baytown, is charged with theft.

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Cortina, 22, is accused of stealing five bicycles from O'Neals Sports Bar and Grill at 2651 South State Highway Business 146 on Dec. 6.

The five bikes were going to be donated to the Baytown Blue Santa program, police said. Four pink Huffy bikes and one small pink Dynacraft bike were taken from the lobby of the bar, according to police.

The man took the bikes away in a gray 2000 Chevrolet Silverado, according to police.

"The Baytown Blue Santa program has been in existence for over 25 years and has assisted thousands of families who might not have been able to give their children gifts during the holiday season," police said. "The Baytown Blue Santa program relies heavily on donations and O'Neals, for the past two years, has been an integral part of the program's success."

A citizen recognized the vehicle after it was broadcast on KPRC2/Click2Houston.com and other media outlets, and called police.

"With the help of our media partners as well as members of our community not only were we able to identify the suspect in this case but we were also able to recover two of the stolen bicycles, which can now be given to deserving children in our community," Baytown police said in a news release. 

Cortina was arrested on Tuesday.