San Mateo Man Arrested for Multiple Dine-and-Dash Incidents
Overview of Arrest
A man from San Mateo, identified as 36-year-old Jared Scott, was arrested earlier this week following a string of incidents involving dining and dashing. His latest offense occurred at a Red Lobster in San Bruno and coincided with an existing warrant from a previous incident that took place in January 2024.
A Pattern of Theft
Scott has reportedly garnered a reputation among bartenders in the Bay Area for his consistent habit of skipping out on tabs. Over the past five years, his actions have escalated, particularly in the weeks leading up to the Christmas holiday. His brazen approach involved moving from bar to bar, taking advantage of establishment staff meant to serve their patrons.
Bartenders Speak Out
Kevin DeMattia, the owner of Emperor Norton’s BoozeLand, shared his concerns about Scott’s frequent offenses. “It was happening to a lot of good, decent, honest bar owners and bar staff that I know from the Castro to the Mission, to the Tenderloin, where I own a bar,” he stated. DeMattia emphasized that because many bars have multiple shifts each day, Scott could easily evade capture by repeatedly returning to the same areas within a single day.
Implications for Local Businesses
The rise in dine-and-dash incidents not only affects individual business owners but also undermines the trust within the community. As more cases arise, the pressure on bartenders and staff to remain vigilant increases, impacting their ability to provide a relaxed and enjoyable experience for all patrons.
