Man claiming to be mute accused of lifting tip money at Ryan's

The Cape Girardeau Police Department is investigating a theft that took place Friday at Ryan's Steakhouse involving a man who claimed he was mute.

Around 12:30 p.m. near the Pear Tree Inn, officers arrested a man who Ryan's personnel said had been taking tip money off tables at the restaurant, said Sgt. Barry Hovis, spokesman for the Cape Girardeau Police Department.

Hovis said a man began handing out cards and asking for donations at the restaurant around 12:15 p.m. Hovis said managers at the restaurant told the man they didn't allow this practice and he should leave. As he was leaving, the man started to take tip money off tables, Hovis said.

An employee and a customer chased after him and held him at the Pear Tree Inn until police arrived.

Hovis said they are also investigating to make sure the man isn't lying about his disability.

"People will take advantage of others' generosity," Hovis said.