BEDFORD – The Bedford Police Department’s investigation into a vehicle theft on August 10, 2024, at Bedford Body & Paint lands a Bedford man in jail on auto theft charges.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Detective Major Kye Louden, the incident involved the theft of a 2020 white Jeep Cherokee belonging to a male who had left the vehicle at the body shop for repairs. The car was reportedly stolen from the business premises and later involved in an accident.
According to the police report, the investigation revealed that Peyton A. Jones, 23, an employee of the body shop, is the primary suspect. Business records show Jones clocked in at 11:10 p.m. on August 9th and did not clock out, with his time sheet marked as a “missing punch.”
Subsequent investigations uncovered text messages between Jones, his father, and a shop employee suggesting that Jones showed up at his father’s house intoxicated and in need of help with a vehicle. Jones allegedly used his father’s phone to deny involvement in the incident.
Police attempted to locate Jones at multiple addresses, including a residence in Seymour, Indiana. During one such attempt on November 13, 2024, officers spoke with two other individuals who indicated Jones had left for rehabilitation.
As of November 19, 2024, Jones remained unlocated. Investigators forwarded the information to the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office, and a warrant was issued for Jones’ arrest. He was arrested on Saturday, February 1.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
