Baltimore Police Arrest 'Serial Dine and Dasher'

57-year-old Randy Nelson accused of skipping out on restaurant checks across multiple counties

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:53am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a half-eaten plate of fajitas and an empty beer glass on a dark wooden table, lit by a harsh camera flash, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a dine-and-dash incident at a local restaurant.A stark image of the aftermath of an alleged dine-and-dash incident, exposing the financial impact on local restaurants.Baltimore Today

Baltimore County police have arrested 57-year-old Randy Nelson, who they allege is a 'serial dine and dasher' responsible for multiple incidents of ordering food and drinks at restaurants before leaving without paying the bill. Nelson has a history of similar charges spanning several Maryland counties.

Why it matters

Dine-and-dash incidents can have a significant financial impact on small businesses, especially restaurants operating on tight margins. This case highlights the challenges businesses face in recouping losses from customers who intentionally avoid paying their bills.

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 calamari, as well as at El Salto, where he is said to have ordered three beers, a shot of tequila, and fajitas. Authorities have linked Nelson to five total dine-and-dash incidents across the region. Managers and local residents have expressed frustration with Nelson's alleged actions, with one calling him a 'menace' to the community.

  • On April 12, 2026, Nelson allegedly dined and dashed at Massoni's Italian Restaurant.
  • On April 12, 2026, Nelson allegedly dined and dashed at El Salto restaurant.

The players

Randy Nelson

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

Juan Carlos Onate

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

Jenny Merrill

A local resident who believes Nelson deserved to be caught and prosecuted for his actions.

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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, Local Resident

“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, Restaurant Manager

What’s next

Nelson is currently out on bail, and authorities are warning other local restaurants to be on the lookout for him to prevent further dine-and-dash incidents.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges small businesses face in dealing with repeat offenders who intentionally avoid paying their bills, underscoring the need for stronger enforcement and deterrents to protect the financial viability of local restaurants and other establishments.