Unpaid $7 Waffle House bill leads to identity-theft ring, police say

PEARL RIVER, La. — Louisiana police say an unpaid $7 Waffle House bill has led them to make two arrests and break a Los Angeles-based identity theft ring.

Pearl River police said investigators were told two men drove off in a U-Haul van after stiffing the restaurant Saturday. Police say patrol officers spotted the van at a hotel and a passenger ran into some woods as they approached.

A police statement Thursday stated that officers arrested both the driver and passenger, and a search of the van turned up fake identification and credit cards, credit card skimming devices — and a Waffle House receipt for $7.41.

Police say investigators are working with the Secret Service and more arrests are possible.

Chief J.J. Jennings said there's an etiquette lesson: "Pay your bill and tip your waitress."

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