Man used fake paperwork to steal rifle from Walmart in Bensalem: police
Man uses fake paperwork to steal rifle from Walmart: What we know
Bensalem police seek help identifying a man who they say stole a Winchester rifle from the Horizon Boulevard Walmart using a fake clearance letter.
BENSALEM, Pa. - Bensalem police are looking for a man who they say walked into Walmart, used fraudulent paperwork and took a Winchester .308 rifle from the store before leaving the area, according to authorities.
Police say rifle stolen with fake paperwork at Walmart Friday
What we know:
Police responded to the Walmart at 3461 Horizon Boulevard at approximately 2:31 p.m. Friday for a report of retail theft.
Investigators say a man wearing a black jacket and dark blue jeans and carrying a collapsible scooter entered the store around 1:40 p.m. While inside, he put on a yellow vest and selected a rifle bag offered for sale.
The male, according to police, approached a sporting goods employee and presented forged paperwork claiming to provide "clearance" for a Winchester .308 rifle. Surveillance footage captured the male entering a restricted employee-only area, putting the rifle in the bag, and then exiting through the store's garden center.
Police say the man left the store just before 2:00 p.m. on Friday. He was subsequently seen on surveillance footage around 1:50 p.m. traveling through the Neshaminy Mall parking lot toward the SEPTA bus stop. Authorities say this as the last verified sighting of the suspect carrying the stolen rifle.
Ongoing search and unanswered questions for Bensalem police
What's next:
Police have not yet located the man and are investigating leads. They are also expected to provide further updates once more information is available.
What they're saying:
A Walmart spokesperson issued the following statement on the incident:
"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."
"Our hope is that someone recognizes this male we have a dangerous firearm on the street, illegally obtained. Need to get it off the street to ensure it's not used to harm anyone," said William McVey, Director of Public Safety for the Bensalem Police Department. "We’ll be following up with Walmart we’ve already been in touch with them to make sure they have protocols in place that this absolutely does not happen again — just sounds ridiculous when you hear it."
What you can do:
Anyone with information regarding this incident or who can help identify the male seen in surveillance images is urged to contact Bensalem Police Detective Tom Jackson at (215) 633-3667.
The Source: This article contains information from the Bensalem Police Department and reporting by FOX 29's Jennifer Joyce.