Alleged 'Serial Dine and Dasher' Charged in 5 Incidents Across Maryland

Police say Randy Nelson, 57, ordered food and drinks before leaving without paying at multiple restaurants

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:12am

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An extreme close-up of a half-eaten plate of fajitas and empty beer glasses, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a dine-and-dash incident at a restaurant.A recent wave of dine-and-dash incidents at local restaurants exposes the financial strain on small businesses struggling to recover.Baltimore Today

Baltimore County police have arrested Randy Nelson, 57, who they allege is a 'serial dine and dasher' responsible for at least five incidents of ordering food and drinks at restaurants across three Maryland counties and then leaving without paying the bill.

Why it matters

Dine-and-dash incidents can have a significant financial impact on small businesses, especially restaurants that are already struggling with the effects of the pandemic. This case highlights the challenges businesses face in dealing with repeat offenders and the need for stronger enforcement to protect local establishments.

The details

Police say Nelson is accused of running out on his check at Massoni's Italian Restaurant, where he allegedly ordered six draft beers and a plate of calamari, as well as at El Salto, where he is said to have ordered three beers, a shot of Don Julio, and a plate of fajitas. Nelson is also charged with stealing Smirnoff Ice from The Grape and Grain in Nottingham.

  • In the past two weeks, Nelson has been repeatedly arrested, charged, and then released in Baltimore and Harford counties.
  • The most recent incidents occurred on April 14, 2026.

The players

Randy Nelson

A 57-year-old man who has been charged with multiple counts of dine-and-dash incidents and theft across three Maryland counties.

Massoni's Italian Restaurant

A restaurant in Baltimore County where Nelson is accused of running out on a bill for six draft beers and a plate of calamari.

El Salto

A restaurant in Baltimore County where Nelson is accused of running out on a bill for three beers, a shot of Don Julio, and a plate of fajitas.

The Grape and Grain

A store in Nottingham, Maryland where Nelson is accused of stealing Smirnoff Ice.

Juan Carlos Onate

A manager at El Salto who recognized Nelson when he returned to the restaurant later that day.

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What they’re saying

“Times are tough but he definitely deserved to be caught and prosecuted, because times are tough for everyone, not just him. Nobody, especially the restaurant people that are working hard, deserves that.”

— Jenny Merrill, Nearby Resident

“As a small business, or any business for that matter, and regardless of how big or small his check was, every dollar counts.”

— Owner of Massoni's Italian Restaurant

“So, later that day, around 3 p.m., I came to the restaurant just to bring some merchandise, and I saw him, and I was like, 'You've got to be kidding me. He's here.'”

— Juan Carlos Onate, Manager, El Salto

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Nelson to be released on bail again.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges small businesses face in dealing with repeat offenders who repeatedly dine and dash, underscoring the need for stronger enforcement and consequences to protect local restaurants and stores.