Altoona police say a Trafford man has been taken into custody in connection with Tuesday’s robbery at Juniata Cards.
Police say 51-year-old Jayson Hodges is facing over a dozen charges including robbery, unlawful restraint, making terroristic threats and theft.
Investigators say on Thursday, Altoona police learned that Hodges was a person of interest in the robbery, and with the assistance of the Trafford Police Department, conducted a search warrant on his home.
When police arrived at his home, authorities say officers observed Hodges on the roof of the residence, wearing the same pants and shoes as the individual in the surveillance video of the robbery.
Police say Hodges attempted to flee from the officers on a bicycle but was quickly taken into custody, at which time he confessed to the robbery.
Hodges reportedly told police that the boxes of sports cards, which he had opened, were inside his residence, as well as the sweatshirt he was wearing and the plastic bin he used to transport the stolen goods.
Police say Hodges also admitted that the gun he used in the robbery was real and was loaded.
Investigators say Hodges had stolen the gun from a residence in the Greensburg area and then hid it at a duplex near his home. He also discarded the hat, face coverings, and gloves used during the crime.
Lastly, Hodges told police, according to the release, that he used the money he stole to purchase Halloween decorations, and other items.
Upon further investigation, police say Hodges noted that he had purchased sports cards from the same shop approximately 20 years ago and remembered one of the owners by name.
Police recovered the cards, clothing, a plastic tote and a 9mm handgun from Hodges’ residence.
Authorities say Hodges waived his bail arraignment in Westmoreland County and is being transported to the Blair County Prison.
Police note that Hodges was on parole for a previous burglary conviction.
His bail has been set at $400,000, according to court documents, and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 29.
Fortunately, police say neither shop owner was harmed in the robbery.
