California man charged in Bensalem Walmart rifle theft
Police say a 26-year-old used forged paperwork to steal a Winchester .308 rifle from a store in Bucks County last month.
By Beatriz Soto ·
Jordan Pedigo, 26, has been charged with five counts related to the theft of a Winchester .308-caliber rifle from a Walmart in Bensalem. The suspect, a resident of California, allegedly used fake documents to bypass store security on Friday, October 16. Police recovered the weapon and roughly 40 rounds of ammunition when they arrested Pedigo in Bakersfield.
Surveillance video shows Pedigo entering the store at 3461 Horizon Boulevard around 1:40 p.m. on October 16. He wore a black jacket and dark blue jeans and carried a collapsible scooter. After donning a yellow vest, he selected a rifle bag and approached a sporting goods employee. He presented forged paperwork claiming he had clearance for the specific firearm.
Pedigo walked into a restricted employee-only area and placed the rifle in the bag. He exited through the garden center just before 2:00 p.m. Footage from the Neshaminy Mall parking lot captured him traveling toward the SEPTA bus stop around 1:50 p.m. The theft was reported to Bensalem police at 2:31 p.m. that day.
The Bakersfield Police Department contacted Bensalem Township Police on November 1. Officers in California had arrested Pedigo and located the stolen rifle in his possession. Bensalem detectives reviewed the evidence and positively identified Pedigo as the suspect. Judge Joseph Falcone signed an arrest warrant for Pedigo on November 5.
Pedigo faces charges for Theft by Unlawful Taking, Theft by Deception, Receiving Stolen Property, Persons Not to Possess a Firearm, and Retail Theft. A Walmart spokesperson stated, "The safety of our associates and customers is a top priority. We are taking this situation very seriously and are working with law enforcement on the investigation."
Bensalem police credited Bakersfield officials for assisting in the identification and apprehension of the suspect. The department noted that the investigation concluded with no injuries. Police directed questions about the specific circumstances of the California arrest to the Bakersfield Police Department.
Detective Tom Jackson is handling the case. He can be reached at (215) 633-3667 for information regarding the incident or to identify other individuals involved.
