A Bizarre Crime: Thief Steals Cole Slaw, Leaves Cash Intact at Augusta Chicken Restaurant

AUGUSTA, GA — Investigators with the Richmond County Sheriff's Office are scratching their heads after a bizarre commercial burglary took place at a local Augusta chicken establishment. The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of May 3, 2026, has left both law enforcement and the restaurant owners astonished by the perpetrator's choice of loot.

According to restaurant staff and police reports, the intruder gained entry into the building by breaching a point of entry overnight. Once inside, the suspect navigated through the kitchen and dining area. Rather than targeting the cash registers, safe, or valuable electronic equipment, the thief focused their attention entirely on the walk-in refrigerator.

The owner of the restaurant confirmed that the only item missing from the inventory was a bulk container of fresh cole slaw. Multiple cash registers, which still held starting tills for the morning shift, remained completely untouched and undamaged. The burglar left the premises shortly after securing the side dish, leaving behind no signs of vandalism other than the initial point of entry.

Police have labeled the incident a "Southern crime" due to the unusual priority placed on the classic side dish over monetary gain. Surveillance footage is currently being reviewed to trace the suspect's movements and determine if they acted alone or were under any form of influence. No arrests have been made at this time, and the investigation remains active.