BEDFORD — A Bedford man with a history of theft convictions is back in custody following an elaborate shoplifting ruse at the local Walmart that ended in the discovery of methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Nicholas Myers, 44, of Bedford, was arrested Tuesday afternoon, April 28, 2026, after a coordinated effort between Walmart Asset Protection and the Bedford Police Department.
The investigation began around 2:26 p.m. when Officer J. Landon Jones was contacted by Walmart security. According to the probable cause affidavit, Myers—who was already known to police from a theft arrest in December 2025—was observed behaving suspiciously inside the store at 3200 John Williams Boulevard.
Asset Protection employees reported that Myers was seen selecting high-value items, including a battery, a soundbar, and a speaker, and immediately taking them to the service desk to attempt a “return” for cash or credit.
When directed to the automotive counter to return the battery, the serial number revealed the item had never been sold. Despite the failed return, Myers continued through the store, allegedly using a pocketknife to cut a security tag off another item, then bypassed all points of sale and exited through the grocery-side doors with a cart full of merchandise.
Officer Jones intercepted Myers in the parking lot crosswalk, detaining him in handcuffs. During a consensual search at the Asset Protection office, Officer Jones recovered a silver metal holding a crystal-like substance, and a black container holding a glass smoking pipe with burnt residue.
Field tests on the substances yielded positive results for both methamphetamine and fentanyl.
The stolen merchandise, valued at $606.48, was recovered and returned to the store. Myers and his wife, who was present during part of the incident, were served with “No Trespass” orders, banning them from the property.
Myers faces several criminal charges, including theft with a prior conviction, due to a recent conviction on February 25, 2026, possession of meth, possession of a narcotic drug, fentanyl, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Myers was transported to the Lawrence County Jail for housing. Following his arrest, police noted that he had an “extensive history” of theft-related offenses in the region.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the probable cause affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
