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Every state has its fair share of strange and unusual crime cases. However, some seem to take it to another level. Most people are familiar with the infamous “Florida Man” phenomenon—an endless supply of headlines featuring bizarre, head-scratching, and sometimes downright absurd criminal antics. But what if we told you that Texas has its own version of this legendary character?
While Florida is often credited as the epicenter of weird news, Texas—being a state that prides itself on doing everything bigger—has its own lineup of outlandish crimes that deserve just as much attention. From criminals using tacos as IDs to high-speed chases that end in McDonald’s drive-thrus, the Lone Star State has produced some of the wildest and most unbelievable criminal cases in recent history.
In this deep dive into Texas’ strangest crimes, we’ll explore real-life cases that sound too ridiculous to be true, discuss the legal consequences of these acts, and ultimately determine whether Texas has a worthy rival to the notorious “Florida Man.”
The Criminal Who Stole a Shark… Using a Baby Stroller
Stealing is one thing—but attempting to smuggle a live shark out of an aquarium using a baby stroller is another level of bold. In 2018, a group of three people walked into the San Antonio Aquarium and executed what might be one of the strangest heists in Texas history. They targeted a small horn shark named Helen, housed in an interactive touch pool where visitors could reach into the water.
The thieves, appearing as ordinary visitors, waited for an opportunity when staff weren’t looking, then quickly grabbed the shark, wrapped it in a wet blanket, and placed it inside a baby stroller as if it were a sleeping infant. They then calmly walked out of the building, confident that their bizarre plan had worked.
Unfortunately for them, aquarium employees immediately noticed something was off. Security cameras caught the crime, and police were called in. The stolen shark was later found swimming in a backyard pool, miraculously unharmed.
The ringleader of the heist, Anthony Shannon, was charged with felony theft, and the shark was safely returned to the aquarium. While it may have seemed like a clever plan at the time, Shannon faced up to two years in prison. This proves that stealing sea creatures isn’t as easy as it sounds.
The Would-Be Bank Robber Who Forgot to Bring a Bag
Some criminals meticulously plan their crimes, leaving nothing to chance. Others, however, seem to have no plan at all. In 2019, a Houston man stormed into a bank, brandished a weapon, and demanded money. The terrified bank tellers complied, handing over stacks of cash. Everything seemed to be going smoothly for the robber—until he realized he had made a critical mistake:
He forgot to bring a bag to carry the money.
What followed was a chaotic and embarrassing scene as the man frantically tried to stuff wads of cash into his pockets, socks, and even his waistband. In his haste, he dropped most of it on the floor, making a mess before finally running out of the building.
His blunders didn’t end there. In his rush to escape, he accidentally left his wallet behind. This contained his driver’s license and several forms of identification.
Police didn’t have to do much detective work. The man was tracked down and arrested within hours. At the time, he was facing serious felony charges for armed robbery, which carries a possible life sentence in Texas.
The Man Who Tried to Use a Taco as His ID
Traffic stops are routine for police officers, but one Texas driver took an unusual approach when asked for identification. In 2011, a man was pulled over for suspected drunk driving in San Antonio. When the officer approached his vehicle and asked for his license, the man reached into his bag, pulled out a taco, and confidently handed it to the officer.
The officer, understandably confused, asked for a proper ID. The driver, seemingly unaware of his mistake, insisted that the taco should suffice. It became clear that the man was highly intoxicated. Immediately, he was promptly arrested for driving while under the influence (DWI).
Under Texas law, a DWI offense can lead to license suspension, heavy fines, mandatory alcohol education classes, and even jail time. Despite his attempt to substitute a taco for a legal document, he was charged, convicted, and fined. This proves once again that food items do not count as valid identification in the state of Texas.
The Burglar Who Took a Break to Cook Breakfast
Most burglars attempt to get in and out as quickly as possible, avoiding detection. But one Texas man in 2013 had a different approach. He decided to take a break and cook himself some food.
The incident occurred when a homeowner returned home from work and noticed that something smelled delicious. Confused, they walked into the kitchen and were shocked to find a stranger cooking eggs and sausage on their stove.
Even more bizarrely, the burglar wasn’t in a hurry to leave. Instead, he engaged the homeowner in casual conversation, telling them he had just been really hungry.
Once police arrived, they found the suspect still in the house, finishing his meal. He was arrested and charged with trespassing and burglary, both serious offenses under Texas law.
While he technically didn’t steal anything except for the food he ate, the crime still carried potential prison time due to unlawful entry.
The High-Speed Chase That Ended at McDonald’s
Texas police are no strangers to wild high-speed chases. However, one suspect in Houston took things to an unexpected level in 2020. Wanted for a stolen vehicle, the suspect led police on an intense car chase through the city’s streets. Sirens blared, helicopters hovered, and police vehicles followed him closely.
Then, suddenly, the suspect did something no one expected—he pulled into a McDonald’s drive-thru and attempted to order food.
As officers surrounded his vehicle, the suspect refused to exit until he got his meal. The surreal scene ended with police forcibly removing him from the car. At this time, he was still trying to pay at the window. In Texas, evading arrest in a vehicle is a felony offense, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. While his craving for fast food may have been strong, it wasn’t enough to delay his arrest.
Does Texas Have Its Own ‘Florida Man’?
After reviewing these bizarre Texas crime stories, it’s clear that the state more than holds its own in the realm of absurd criminal activity. While Florida may have set the standard for outrageous headlines, Texas has proven that it has its own brand of wild, unpredictable, and utterly ridiculous crime stories.
The Lone Star State’s unique blend of bold personalities, wide-open spaces, and larger-than-life culture creates the perfect environment for unbelievable yet true crime cases. Whether it’s shark thefts, clueless bank robbers, or criminals who just want a snack, Texas has earned its place alongside Florida as a hotspot for bizarre criminal activity.
So, while “Florida Man” might still dominate the internet, don’t sleep on “Texas Man”—because when it comes to strange and unforgettable crimes, everything really is bigger in Texas.
