Couple dine and dash at upscale Minneapolis restaurant

Spending five hours over several appetizers, two entrees of freshwater prawns, a steak and plenty of cocktails - for free. The owner of a high-end Minneapolis restaurant was fuming when a couple ran out on a $410 (EUR301) bill.

"I was thinking, I hope to God I see these people again," said owner Thom Pham.

Three hours later, he got his wish.

Pham walked into another upscale eatery he owns, and found the pair finishing off some expensive drinks after a second dinner that included a rack of lamb.

"I thought, 'Oh my God, I can't believe my wishes are so powerful,"' he said.

When the couple tried to flee, Pham, a former judo instructor, chased Reginald Wilder into an alley, forced him to the ground and held him until police arrived. Lance Burrow was arrested a half block away.

According to a police report, Burrow was dressed as a woman and wearing a wig.

"They were clearly either very dedicated fans of Mr. Pham's restaurants, or they were incredibly unlucky," said Lt. Amelia Huffman, a spokeswoman for the Minneapolis Police Department.

"I call it 'instant karma,"' said Pham.

Burrow, 20, is scheduled to make a court appearance. Wilder, 43, pleaded guilty and was required to make restitution of $706 (EUR518) and serve 150 days in a workhouse. But he did not show up for a scheduled court hearing and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.