A Baltimore food truck owner’s live social media broadcast became evidence Tuesday after a customer was filmed allegedly stealing from a tip jar during a transaction.
Muhsin Sarac, who operates under the digital handle "Musa_Usa," was streaming to his followers on Instagram while working at his mobile stand. The footage captured the moment Sarac turned his back to prepare a cheesesteak order for a waiting patron.
While Sarac’s attention was focused on the grill, the video shows a customer reaching into the tip jar placed on the service counter. The individual appears to grab approximately $20 in cash before calmly stepping back from the window.
Sarac discovered the theft shortly after and immediately contacted emergency services. Members of the Baltimore Police Department arrived at the scene to initiate a formal investigation into the incident.
Upon reviewing the live stream footage, responding officers reportedly recognized the suspect. Authorities indicated the individual is a local resident already known to law enforcement in the immediate area.
The incident highlights the growing intersection between real-time content creation and public safety. As more small business owners use live streaming for marketing, their broadcasts are increasingly capturing criminal activity as it happens.
The Baltimore Police Department has not yet announced a formal arrest or filed specific charges as of Tuesday afternoon. Investigators are currently using the high-definition footage to build their case against the suspect.
Local business advocates note that while tip jar thefts are common, having clear video evidence provides a significant advantage for law enforcement. Such incidents often go unreported due to a lack of identifiable suspects or proof.
Under the current administration of President Donald Trump, federal and local partnerships have emphasized increased surveillance and community policing to deter retail and small business crime.
Sarac has since shared the clip with his audience to raise awareness about the challenges faced by independent vendors. The streamer continues to operate his business while cooperating with the ongoing police inquiry.
The footage remains accessible on social media platforms, where it has garnered significant attention from the Baltimore community. Police are asking anyone with additional information to contact the local precinct.