Restaurant Employee Arrested for Hidden Camera in Family Bathroom

Swift Discovery Leads to Arrest

A routine evening at a popular Houston-area restaurant turned into a criminal investigation when a separate employee at Lupe Tortilla's Katy Freeway location made the unsettling discovery Tuesday evening . The preliminary investigation shows the camera was allegedly installed on Tuesday, just after 6:30 p.m., and the female employee discovered it under the family bathroom sink around 7:10 p.m. that same evening . The quick discovery meant the device was only active for approximately 40 minutes before being found.

Bayson Elias Pu, 31, now faces a felony charge for invasive visual recording . According to Harris County court records, Bayson Elias Pu, 31, was arrested Dec. 31 and charged with invasive visual recording, a state jail felony . The charges became more serious when investigators discovered what the hidden device had captured during its brief operation.

According to Hedwig Village Police Chief Justin Wood, the employee told their general manager, who then called the police . The restaurant's immediate response drew praise from law enforcement officials who commended their cooperation throughout the investigation.

Disturbing Evidence Uncovered

Investigators recovered a USB device connected to the camera and later identified multiple video files . Court records show that on Dec. 30, two videos were discovered from a hidden camera inside the bathroom of the Lupe Tortilla near Katy Freeway and Echo Lane. The videos showed a female child and a woman undressed, the records added . This evidence forms the basis of the felony charges against the former employee.

It was motion-activated is what my investigators told me later, so it was not recording for the full 30 minutes , according to Police Chief Wood. The device's motion-activation feature meant it only captured footage when people entered the bathroom, making the violation of privacy even more targeted and deliberate.

The suspect, identified as Bayson Elias Pu, remains in custody with an ICE hold after police say he was using fraudulent identification documents . The discovery of false documents adds another layer to the criminal charges and complicates the case further.

Restaurant Response and Industry Implications

Lupe Tortilla issued this statement: "Lupe Tortilla confirms that on December 30, 2025, a recording device placed in a restroom at one of its Houston-area locations was discovered by a restaurant staff member shortly after its placement. Restaurant management took immediate action by contacting local authorities" . The company emphasized their commitment to guest safety and privacy while cooperating fully with the investigation.

Wood said the restaurant's staff was extremely forthcoming and helpful with the investigation . The swift action taken by both the discovering employee and management demonstrates the importance of workplace vigilance and proper reporting protocols when suspicious activities are observed.

This incident highlights growing concerns about privacy violations in public spaces and the need for increased awareness among both employees and customers. Restaurant operators may need to consider enhanced security measures and regular inspections of restroom facilities to prevent similar incidents. The case also underscores the critical role that alert employees play in protecting customer safety and privacy, turning what could have been an extended violation into a quickly resolved criminal matter.