Joshua Warren Peterson of Helena allegedly stole more than $1,500 from Montana Lucky Lil’s Casino after threatening the clerk with a pistol, which was later determined to be a BB gun.
Peterson faces felony charges of robbery and theft for the Aug. 22 crime.
The clerk reported that a handgun was used in the robbery, according to court documents.
Surveillance video of the incident showed a man, who had his face concealed by a stocking cap, sunglasses and a bandana, carrying a bag. The video also depicted a sport-utility vehicle with its headlights pointing in different directions driving in the area of the casino just prior to the robbery, court documents note.
A few weeks after the robbery, police pulled Peterson over for a traffic violation. The officer noticed the vehicle’s driver-side headlight was affixed with tape and a bungee cord, causing the headlight to point in a different direction than the passenger side. A search of the vehicle uncovered a Crossman BB gun that appeared similar to the weapon used in the casino robbery, along various stolen items, the documents allege.
An affidavit in the case states Peterson later admitted to the casino robbery “as part of his ongoing theft of items from other businesses, including tools from the Lowes’ stores in Helena and Bozeman, as well as video games and movies from Walmart stores in several cities.”
“Peterson indicated that he stole the Crossman BB gun that he used to commit the robbery,” the affidavit continues.
Peterson told police he sold the electronic merchandise for cash in order to obtain drugs and also pawned items in Helena, Butte and Bozeman.
He also faces a charge of felony theft by common scheme for stealing an estimated $8,000 worth of merchandise.
He is accused of threatening a clerk with a handgun before stealing more than $1,500. The weapon was later determined to be a BB gun.
Court records say surveillance video showed an SUV with its headlights pointing in different directions driving near the casino before the robbery. A few weeks later, police pulled Peterson over for a traffic violation, and the officer noticed the driver-side headlight was affixed with tape and a bungee cord, causing it to point in a different direction than the passenger side.
A search uncovered a BB gun, and police say Peterson admitted to the robbery.
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