BEDFORD – A Mitchell man has been arrested in connection with a theft that occurred at the Bedford AutoZone on January 17, 2025.
According to an affidavit for probable cause filed by Bedford Police Department Detective Major Kye Louden, Ross J. Wells, 56, was taken into custody following an investigation into the alleged theft of an FM transmitter valued at approximately $43.
AutoZone employees initially reported the incident to police on the afternoon of January 17th. According to their statements, Wells, a former employee previously terminated for stealing from the store, entered the AutoZone at approximately 4:30 p.m.
Wells inquired if it would be acceptable for an FM transmitter to go missing. An employee told Wells he could not take the item. Wells then allegedly said he was going to look at trailer hitches. The employee told police he observed the FM transmitter inside Wells’s sweatshirt pocket as Wells spoke to him again at the counter before exiting the store, entering his vehicle, and leaving the parking lot.
A second employee corroborated Well’s account, stating he witnessed the interaction while on a call with corporate. He also confirmed Wells’s prior termination for theft.
Detective Louden began an investigation on January 20th, reviewing the initial report. On January 21st, he spoke with the employees, who verified the observation of the item in Wells’s clothing. Detective Louden also obtained a photograph of the packaging the transmitter was removed from and an inventory list indicating the item was missing.
Further investigation led detectives to Wells’s address at Persimmon Park Apartments in Mitchell. On February 26th, Detective Louden conducted an audio-recorded interview with Wells. Initially, Wells denied stealing anything or acting suspiciously in the store. However, as the conversation continued, he reportedly became nervous and admitted to opening items and placing them under shelves as a prank.
When questioned about potential video surveillance, Wells stated there were no cameras when he worked at the store. Detective Louden informed Wells that he would check if cameras had been installed since his termination, implying that any video evidence would show him stealing. At this point, Wells allegedly admitted to stealing a tire gauge but denied taking the FM transmitter. Despite being informed that the transmitter was missing, its packaging was found, and inventory was short, Wells maintained he only stole the tire gauge, estimated its value around $20, and claimed to have discarded it after feeling guilty.
Following the interview, Detective Louden spoke with AutoZone management, who stated they had no inventory discrepancies regarding tire gauges and believed Wells had taken the transmitter. Despite Wells’s alleged offer to pay for the item to avoid charges, management insisted on pursuing legal action due to his history of theft as an employee. Detective Louden also confirmed that the store is in the process of installing security cameras but did not have them at the time of the incident.
Based on the investigation and the statements provided, Detective Major Kye Louden concluded there was probable cause to believe that Ross J. Wells had committed the crime of theft under $750. An arrest warrant was requested. The Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office reviewed the case and issued a warrant for Wells’ arrest. He was apprehended on Thursday, April 3.
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.
