Suspect Caught After Leaving Wallet in Rideshare During Las Vegas Walmart Shooting

A robbery and shooting at a Las Vegas Walmart on Blue Diamond Road led to the swift arrest of a suspect—all thanks to a critical mistake: he left his wallet in the rideshare vehicle he used to get to the scene.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police arrested Taron Jefferson on Tuesday, charging him with attempted murder, robbery with a deadly weapon, and conspiracy to commit robbery, according to court records.

The chaotic series of events unfolded on the night of February 3rd when a man was seen stealing three bottles of wine and a bouquet of flowers before fleeing in a car. Moments later, Jefferson was spotted searching for the first suspect in the Walmart parking lot. When employees confronted him, gunfire erupted, leaving one worker with a gunshot wound to the leg. The victim was rushed to UMC for treatment.

In a twist straight out of a crime drama, detectives learned both suspects arrived at Walmart in an Uber. While the first suspect went into the store, Jefferson stayed behind in the car. When the Uber driver realized a robbery was happening, he tried to leave, but Jefferson allegedly threatened him, reaching for his waistband as if armed, saying, “You are not going anywhere.”

After Jefferson eventually exited the vehicle, the driver called 911. But Jefferson’s biggest blunder was yet to come—he messaged the driver asking to retrieve his wallet that he accidentally left behind. Inside the wallet? His driver’s license, which police used to quickly identify him.

A short time later, officers responded to a report of a suspicious person nearby matching Jefferson’s description. He was taken into custody without incident.

Jefferson is currently being held on $150,000 bail. If released, he’ll be subject to high-level electronic monitoring. His initial court appearance is scheduled for Thursday morning.

Source: Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department