Investigators say that an identity theft ring they stumbled upon is even bigger than they initially thought. Douglas County Sheriff's deputies have impounded stolen vehicles containing more stolen IDs.

The case came abruptly to light on Wednesday as deputies were looking into a report of possible credit card fraud at a downtown Omaha hotel. One of the suspects, Jason Galle, wound up in a fight with a deputy and the deputy shot him. Galle remained hospitalized on Thursday. His condition is not being released.

Sheriff Tim Dunning says he is withholding additional comment on the case until they assemble more pieces of the puzzle but the sheriff says this incident underscores the extent of the identity theft problem.

As this type of crime grows, more consumers and business are taking steps to fight back.

Heartland Bar-be-Que is a new business in the Benson area. If you don't use cash there, be prepared to show ID with your debit or credit card purchase.

Manager Yanet Soriano says, "It's just for our safety and the customers' safety to make sure it's them, for theft issues."

Soriano says some people actually get upset when asked for ID.

"I asked for ID, I had someone complain and said, 'that's harassment.' I said, 'no, no it's just for your safety.'"

Tim Reuter was carded but he welcomed the ID check.

He says, "I know it's my credit card. When I handed it to her she asked for my ID. That gives me a certain sense of security. It bothers me tremendously when people don't ask for it. I would just like to see all retailers ask for it. It takes a little extra time but it's always worth it."

As for the suspects in Wednesday's incident at the Marriott, as Jason Galle recovers in the hospital his extensive criminal record has surfaced. That includes gun and drug charges and he has been a fugitive from justice at least three times.

His companion, Dana McCoy, has been charged with two counts of felony theft and possession of methamphetamine.

McCoy is also no stranger to law enforcement. Her Nebraska criminal record shows an arrest for forgery.

Douglas County officials believe that the apprehension of McCoy and Galle is just the tip of the iceberg in what could be a significant identity theft ring. Investigators say they plan to release more information in the next few days.