Woman Sought After Allegedly Stealing Tip Jar from Mexican Grill

Incident captured on video at Mr. Miguels Mexican Grill and Cantina in Warren, Michigan

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Police in Warren, Michigan are searching for a woman who was captured on video stealing a tip jar containing around $30 meant for teenage employees at Mr. Miguels Mexican Grill and Cantina. The incident occurred when a hostess briefly left the counter, allowing the suspect to take the jar and hide it with her jacket and food order.

Why it matters

Theft of tips from restaurant employees, especially young workers, is seen as a particularly egregious crime that can have a significant financial impact on those earning low wages. This incident has sparked outrage from customers and the restaurant owner, who hopes the suspect will return the money and apologize.

The details

According to the restaurant supervisor, Mariah Donaldson, the suspect was able to take the tip jar when the hostess briefly left the counter to receive a food order. Surveillance footage shows the woman hiding the jar under her jacket and food. Customers expressed their dismay at the theft, with one saying "For you to steal from somebody is horrible" and another stating "you're lucky that mom hasn't found you yet, because for you to take money from her hardworking kid, is completely unacceptable and wrong, you're a grown adult."

  • The incident occurred on February 9, 2026 when the hostess briefly left the counter.

The players

Mariah Donaldson

The restaurant supervisor at Mr. Miguels Mexican Grill and Cantina.

Susan Teucsch

A customer at Mr. Miguels Mexican Grill and Cantina.

Karen Maly

A customer at Mr. Miguels Mexican Grill and Cantina.

Kelly Garrison

A customer at Mr. Miguels Mexican Grill and Cantina.

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What they’re saying

“Terrible why would someone do that, someone that worked hard for that money, that's not right at all.”

— Susan Teucsch, Customer (WXYZ)

“For you to steal from somebody is horrible, in my eyes, we all go through rough times but there's certain ways you can make money and ask for help.”

— Karen Maly, Customer (WXYZ)

“I think the person should really think about how it hurts everyone at the establishment, and she should bring it back.”

— Kelly Garrison, Customer (WXYZ)

“I'm a mother myself, you're lucky that mom hasn't found you yet, because for you to take money from her hardworking kid, is completely unacceptable and wrong, you're a grown adult.”

— Mariah Donaldson, Restaurant Supervisor (WXYZ)

What’s next

Although no police report has been filed yet, Warren police confirmed an ongoing investigation into the incident.

The takeaway

This case highlights the impact that theft of tips can have on low-wage workers, especially young employees, and the outrage it can spark from customers and business owners. It underscores the importance of respecting the hard work and earnings of service industry staff.